December 2005 Archives
MORNING WORSHIP
Organist: Phil ErffmeyerPianist: Shirley Marcus
Accompanists: Gina Ohden, Pastor Steve
Offertory Pianist: Isaac Swierenga
Trumpet: Mike Pluimer
Soloists: Kaitlyn & Lisa Ohden, Wendell Bonnema
Choirs: Unity Children’s Youth Choir, Unity Children’s Bell Choir
Preaching Pastor & Song Leader: Pastor Steve
Liturgists: Pastors Jeff & Wendy
Offerings:
1st: Unity Ministries
2nd: Christmas Program
Merry Christmas!
Welcome to Unity on this Christmas morning! May the joy of your Savior fill your heart to overflowing as you come and worship the newborn King!
Advent: This advent season we are celebrating “The Places of Christmas” and today we arrive at a very special place—right here! Today we announce that Emmanuel has come, God is with us! “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Thanks be to God!
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendarToday:
9:30am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - No Worship Service
Tuesday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
No Sunday School or Evening Worship Sunday, January 1Congregational Meetings
Sunday, January 15
UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Our Sympathy Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Kurt and Natalie VanderBeek and their family after the tragic death of Kurt’s sister last weekend. We pray that God’s peace and love will flow abundantly to you and around you to bring comfort.Continued Prayer
We celebrate with and continue to pray for Cassie Wieberdink whose thyroid tests this week confirmed her thyroid condition but gave the all-clear when it came to cancer! Cassie expressed this for the congregation: “Thank you for all your prayers and for remembering me over these last couple of weeks! Please continue to pray for this thyroid condition. Praise God for His goodness to me!”
Our Thanks
Thank you so much to Elva Post for the beautiful banners she made to help us celebrate the places of Christmas this Advent. We are so grateful for this gift of her time and talents that helped us worship and anticipate the coming of our Lord.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY
Two Offerings Today we will receive an offering to help cover the expenses of the Christmas production. Thank you so much for your generosity which allowed us to offer a free program!Old Testament Challenge
We are taking this week and next week off from the OTC. Use this opportunity to catch up if you have fallen behind, to re-read something that left lingering questions, or to read another part of Scripture that is drawing you. A complete list of the Fast-Track readings is online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
A Message from Hope Pregnancy
Thank you for over $1,100 given to date for the Baby Bottle Boomerang! 25 bottles still need to be collected, so please help us surpass last year’s giving ($1,225) with the remaining bottles. Even an empty bottle given back helps keep costs down for this exciting program! You can give your bottle to a staff member or deacon.
Blood Drive This Week
The Bloodmobile will be at First CRC in Prinsburg on Dec. 29 from 1-7pm. There is a shortage of blood during the holiday season, so please give this Thursday if you are able. If you would like an appointment, please call Darlene.
Senior Citizens
Please call Ardy Z or Marilyn D to reserve your place for our trip on January 18.
MORNING WORSHIP
Scripture Reading: I Samuel 1:9-20; 3:1-4 (Scripture Reader: Kirk VanderPol) Message: “Do You Hear What I Hear? Learning to Listen to God” Pastor Steve) Lead Worshiper: Praise Team Offerings: 1st: Unity Ministries 2nd: Christmas ProgramEVENING WORSHIP
Christmas ProgramWelcome to Unity!
May your heart find joy and peace in the presence of God and the power of His Holy Spirit as we worship together the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
This morning we will continue our Old Testament Challenge by considering the opening years of Samuel's life. We find in the opening eight chapters of I Samuel a theme of prayer and listening for the voice of God. How does one listen for the voice of God and what does one do when hearing His voice? Come along this morning as we journey together listening for His voice
Advent: This advent season we are celebrating “The Places of Christmas.” Each Sunday we have remembered a place where God met his people in a special way. This morning, as we light the candle, we will reflect on the place where the star landed—the town of Bethlehem—by all human standards, a very unlikely place for God to show up.
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
Children’s Church for ages 3-preK and Grades K-2 will be dismissed by announcement during worship
5:00pm - Christmas Program
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
Tuesday:
9:00am - Men’s Fellowship at First
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
6:30pm - Youth Group at the ROCK
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
Next Sunday:
9:30am - Morning Worship
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Congregational Meetings
Sunday, January 15
Sunday, February 5
UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Merry Christmas to our Missionaries It isn't too late to send a Christmas card to our missionary families! If you can't find your address labels, pick up an extra set from the church office.Special Thanks!
A huge thank-you to Gina Ohden and Heather Ruplinger, as well as the whole fabulous cast and crew of this year’s Christmas program! We so appreciate all the time and talent you gave on stage, behind the scenes, and in serving to make the Christmas celebration such a highlight! If you haven’t seen the program yet, be sure to join us tonight at 5pm!
Two Offerings
Both today and next Sunday we will receive a second offering to help cover the expenses of the Christmas production. Thank you so much for your generosity which allows us to offer this program as a gift to the community!
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY
Merry Christmas! Next Sunday come with your family and friends to celebrate Christmas with us, with our worship celebration beginning at 9:30am!! There will be great music and a message of hope and promise! We look forward to seeing you next week!Youth Group Christmas Party
Don’t forget to join us at the Rock on 8th this Wednesday at 6:30pm for our Christmas Party! Please bring a gift to share under $5.
Old Testament Challenge
Fast-Track Readings for this week (Week 15): 1 Samuel 9-10, 13, 15-16, 18, 24, 28, 31 and Psalms 21, 54, and 101. A complete list of the Fast-Track readings is online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
Cadet Calendar
If you would like a Cadet calendar please contact Byron Tebben and he will get one to you. You can contact him at 978-4108.
Blood Drive Coming Soon
The Bloodmobile will be at First CRC in Prinsburg on December 29. Please come if you are able and share this important gift for those who need it.
Senior Citizens
Please call Ardy at 978-8322 or Marilyn at 978-6500 to reserve your place for our trip to “The Church Basement Ladies” on January 18.
MORNING WORSHIP
Scripture Reading: Judges 6:6-13, 10:6-16 (Scripture Reader: Sonia Ulferts) Message: “Intercepting Spiritual Entropy” (Pastor Jeff) Lead Worshiper: Praise Team Offering: Unity MinistriesEVENING WORSHIP
Christmas Carol Sing with Scripture Readings and Prayer Offering: KBHZWelcome to Unity Church!
God’s love and faithfulness continues to every generation. We are reminded of that truth again and again as we gather together for worship. May you experience his love this day.
Communion: This morning we also strengthen the relationship we have with God in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ who desires to become like him and live a life pleasing to God, then you are invited to the table today.
Advent: This advent season we are taking a journey through “The Places of Christmas.” Each Sunday from now through Christmas we will remember a few of the places where God’s people traveled as they awaited the promised Messiah. This morning, as we light the candle we look back at the temple—God’s temporary dwelling among his people, and we look ahead to the day when Christ will return and God’s dwelling will be with us forever.
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendarToday:
10:00am - Morning Worship
Christmas Program Rehearsal
5:00pm - Carol Sing
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
Tuesday:
9:00am - Men’s Fellowship at First
9:00am - Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
6:30pm - GEMS
7:00pm - Dave Ramsey FPU
7:00pm - Youth Group at the ROCK
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
Saturday:
7:00pm - Christmas Program
Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Christmas Program
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
No Sunday School December 25 and January 1Congregational Meetings
Sunday, January 15 Sunday, February 5
UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Our Christian sympathy is extended to the Leininger family after the tragic death of Sandy’s cousin this week. We pray for God’s comfort and peace to surround Sandy and her extended family as they mourn and give thanks for the life of this man precious to them.
Our love and joy go out to Eric and Mandi Peterson, one of our missionary families, after the birth of their new daughter, Jadyn Suzanne. A beautiful picture of Jadyn can be seen hanging on the Missions Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall.
Ed & Bertie Roels are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Dec. 16.
Pastor Steve at Willmar CRC
This evening Pastor Steve will once again be preaching at Willmar CRC. He also led their evening worship last Sunday night.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY
Angel Tree
We have one family left that needs another family to purchase Christmas gifts for them. If you are interested please contact Marly Breems as soon as possible.
OTC Small Groups
The Small Group Discussion Guide books have arrived. If you ordered a copy, you should have had it in your church mailbox last week. If you did not receive a guide, please stop by the office to pick one up. If you would like to join a small group or purchase a small group guide, please contact Pastor Jeff.
Christmas Program Lunch
After each show of the Christmas Program, Care Group 6 will be serving lunch on Saturday night and Care Groups 1 & 2 will be serving lunch on Sunday night. If you are in one of these groups, you will be contacted by your care group leader.
Adult Ed Next Sunday
Please join us next Sunday at 9AM for a thought-provoking video and discussion on the controversial topic of physician-assisted suicide. All are welcome to attend.
Old Testament Challenge
Fast-Track Readings for this week (Week 14): 1 Samuel 1-4, 7–8, and Psalms 64, 99, 113. A complete list of the Fast-Track readings is online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
MORNING WORSHIP
Scripture Reading: Judges 2:10-23 (Scripture Reader: Wendy Ulferts)Message: “Identifying Spiritual Entropy” (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshiper: Gar Jasper
Offering: Unity Ministries
EVENING WORSHIP
Message: OTC #10 - What’s Up With That? (Pastor Jeff)Offering: KBHZ
Welcome to Unity Church!
May the light of Christ shine on each one of us this day. God’s love reaches to the heavens and his faithfulness stretches to the skies. As his people, we have been invited to celebrate in that love and rest in that faithfulness.
We are celebrating this Advent Season by taking a journey through “The Places of Christmas.” Each Sunday from now through Christmas we will remember the places where God’s people traveled as they awaited the promised Messiah. Each week we will hang a banner to represent a place, and light a candle to remind us that the Light of the World has come and is coming again.
Old Testament Challenge
Fast-Track Readings for this week (Week 13): Judges 11-13, 14-16; Ruth, Psalm 60, 61, 141. A complete list of the Fast-Track readings is online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendarToday:
10:00am - Morning Worship
Christmas Program Rehearsal
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
5:00pm - Facility Team Meeting
7:00pm - Council Meeting
7:00pm - Friendship Class (Lesson 4)
Tuesday:
9:00am - Men’s Fellowship at First
9:00am - Ladies’ Bible Study
10:30am - Library Team Meeting
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
6:30pm - GEMS
7:00pm - Dave Ramsey FPU
7:00pm - Youth Group at the ROCK
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Christmas Program Saturday, December 17 - 7:00 pm Sunday, December 18 - 5:00pmUNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Open House Farewell TODAY from 3:00pm-5:00pm Wally & Rachel Marcus will be leaving for Arizona on December 7. Please join us at the church this afternoon as we bless them and say good-bye. Coffee and dessert will be provided. 50th Wedding AnniversaryEd & Bertie Roels are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Dec. 16.
Angel Tree
Would you like to purchase a gift for a child whose parent is in jail? Please contact Marly Breems if you are interested.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY
Baby Bottle Boomerang
Your baby bottles are due back at church today. There is a basket in the back of the sanctuary to collect them. Thank you so much for all your help!
OTC Small Groups
The Small Group Discussion Guide books have arrived. If you ordered a copy, you should have it in your church mailbox today. If you did not receive a guide, please stop by the office to pick one up. If you would like to join a small group or purchase a small group guide, please contact Pastor Jeff.
Friendship Class
Due to the weather, Friendship Class is rescheduled for Dec. 5, 7pm at the Willmar CRC. We will study Lesson 4. Please bring a card for your student. A gift is provided.
Ladies Jail Ministry
Lois Cook has also joined the Ladies’ Jail Ministry Team. We apologize that her name was left out of the article in the Unity Update. We greatly appreciate everyone who volunteers for this great ministry!
Adult Ed Next Sunday
Please join us next Sunday at 9AM for a thought-provoking video and discussion on the subject of divorce. All are welcome to attend.
MORNING WORSHIP
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-26 (Scripture Reader: Joe Ulferts) Message: Holy God, A Warfare People (Pastor Steve) Lead Worshipers: Bryan & The Praise Team Offering: Unity MinistriesEVENING WORSHIP
Message: OTC#10 - What’s Up With That? Battles, Wars, Death and God (Pastor Steve) Offering: Teen HopeWelcome to Unity Church!
It is our prayer that you are blessed in the presence of the Lord today and that you find in Him all that you need! As you join with us in this celebration, let your heart worship the Lord and at the same time be filled with the power and presence of His Holy Spirit! Welcome!
Advent Celebration: The Places of Christmas – During each Sunday AM worship celebration from now through Christmas. Take the Journey!
Christmas Program
This year we will have two shows of our Christmas Program celebration. You are invited to attend either on Saturday, December 17 at 7:00pm or on Sunday, December 18 at 5:00pm. Everyone is welcome!
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
Christmas Program Rehearsal
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm - Cadets (Raymond)
7:00pm - Friendship Class (lesson 4)
Tuesday:
9:00am - Men’s Fellowship at First
9:00am - Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Dave Ramsey FPU
7:00pm - Youth Group
6:30pm - GEMS
Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Christmas Program Saturday, December 17 - 7:00 pm Sunday, December 18 - 5:00pmOld Testament Challenge
Fast-Track Readings for this week (Week 12): Judges 2-4, 5-6, 7-8, Psalm 57, 59, 86. For complete list of the Fast-Track readings, go online to www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Baby Congratulations
Congratulations to Pastor Steve & Angela on the birth of a beautiful and healthy baby boy, Seth Edward. He was born Tuesday evening, weighing 8lbs 6oz and is 21 inches long.
Wedding Congratulations
Congratulations to Ryan & Maggie (Freiborg) Jett! They 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.
Baptism
The baptism of Jaxon Roger Ford took place this past Friday evening at Unity with elders and family present. He is the son of Kevin & Sarah (Freiborg) Ford of Sherman, Texas.
Open House Farewell
Sunday, December 4, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Wally & Rachel Marcus will be leaving for Arizona on the 7th of December. Here is your chance to come and say good bye. There will be coffee and dessert provided.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY
Friendship Class Please bring a Christmas card for your students. A gift will be provided. Lunch: Gretjen, Lesson 4OTC Small Group Guide #2 Coming Soon
The Small Group Discussion Guide books are on back order and will be arriving some time this week. If you ordered a guide, you should have a copy of the lesson in your church mailbox. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Baby Bottle Boomerang
There are still some bottles in the church office. For those of you already filling your bottles, please remember to return them to us by December 4.
4th and 5th grade GEMS
Meet at the Fellowship Hall at 6:30pm on Wednesday, November 30th to go to West View Village, returning to Prinsburg around 9:00pm.
Angel Tree
Are you interested in purchasing a gift for a child whose parent is in jail? Contact Marly Breems
