

January 15, 2006 Update

June 8, 2005 Congregational Meeting Update





TONIGHT: Join us this evening as we reflect on the way the Psalms have blessed us. We will sing some of your favorites from the Psalms and have a time of sharing how this section of Scripture has blessed you.
West Central MN T.E.C. Worship: You are invited to join us and the Night Vision Worship Band at Unity Church TONIGHT at 7:30pm for a time of prayer, praise, and worship. There will also be a time of testimonies from teens who've attended T.E.C. Check us out at www.wcmntec.org.
Today (5th Sunday):
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
5:30pm - Executive Team Meeting
6:15pm - Deacons Meeting
6:30pm - Elders Meeting
7:00pm - Council Meeting
Tuesday:
9:00am - Ladies Bible Study
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group
Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
9:00am - Missionary Prayer Time
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
Congregational Meeting
(immediately after worship)
5:00pm - Evening Worship
No Sunday School - February 19
Brief Congregational Meetings
Next Sunday the Staff Study Team will give a brief response to the questions that were asked at the Congregational Meeting on January 15. The Finance Team will also present their proposal for the salary and changes to the budget. We will vote on this proposal the following Sunday, Feb. 12, so that everyone has a week to process and pray about all that has been presented. If you know that you will not be able to attend on the 12th, you may pick up an absentee ballot in the office any time after Tuesday.
Need Help?
Got any jobs that need to be done? Peter Meyer is available to help out around your home or business in order to raise funds for his upcoming YWAM training and mission trip. Guaranteed service with a smile with all proceeds going for a great cause! Contact Peter to see if he can help you.
Sunday School Teachers Meeting
All Sunday School and Children’s Church teachers are asked to attend a meeting on Feb. 19 at 9AM. There is no Sunday School that day but we would like to gather for discussion and evaluation. Parents who have feedback concerning our Sunday School or Children’s Church (especially the new K-2 program) are encouraged to talk to Rita Ninneman before this meeting.
Old Testament Challenge
The fast-track readings for this week (Week 19) are Psalms 30; 69; 96; 119:1-112; 74; 83; 94. A listing of all the fast-track readings is available at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading And play one of 20 OTC games at www.unitycrc.org/otcgame.
Minnesota for Marriage Rally - Saturday, February 11
This rally will take place at Harvest Community Church in Willmar.
Pinewood Derby & BBQ Supper - Wednesday, February 15
The 5th Annual MN West (Prinsburg, Raymond, and Willmar Cadet Clubs) Pinewood Derby will be at the CMCS high school gym. Everyone is invited to join us for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. The barbeque supper will be served from 5:00 - 7:00 (free will donation). The race starts at 7:00. Snacks will be available during the races.
Senior Citizens
The February Meeting will be at the Fire Hall on Thursday, February 16th. We will have a potluck dinner at 11:30 followed by games and cards.
A - J please take salads
K - M please take desserts
N - Z please take casseroles
Calvin College Capella Concert - Friday Evening, March 24
Housing will be needed for the 40+ members of this group that will be performing at First CRC. They will also need breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date.
Worship is an expression of the heart! Each heart is uniquely and wonderfully different. Worship the Lord from your heart and let the expression of your heart pour forth as you feel led.
On this day set aside to remember the gift of life, gives thanks for this life you have today. Pray for the day when all babies will be granted the right and privilege of seeing the light of day and the aged granted to see the fullness of their days.
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Friendship Class: Lesson 1
~ Lunch: Char Groen & Marge Groen
Tuesday:
9:00am - Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
5:55pm - GEMS Fun Night
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group
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
Jeff & Wendy Fisher with the Worship Grant Planning Team
January 2006
Over the last couple months we have been working with a team of people to put together a proposal to apply for a Worship Renewal Grant through the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. The purpose of these worship grants is to stimulate thoughtful and energetic work for worship that shows renewed creativity, theological integrity, and relevance. They are made possible through the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
We began this process in October by brainstorming various ways we could use such a grant, and eventually decided on studying the topic of worship space and visual arts with the goal of applying our learning in the new sanctuary when it is completed.
The grant application process has a lot of steps, including a very detailed set of questions that must be answered. As we worked through the questions, we stated that the purpose of this project was:
To deepen our understanding of how
worship space communicates our theology and apply that understanding to our new worship space so that we can engage in creative expressions of worship.
We made several key statements in the course of answering the seventeen questions for the grant application that are very important to this project in particular, to building a new facility, and to worship space in general. One of the major points that we made in our proposal is that everything we do must be directly connected to our mission and vision as a church. The key question we must ask in each area is, “How does this area of our ministry support our mission?”
That question needs to be asked about the sanctuary as well. It is our goal to answer that through this project so that from the moment someone comes through our doors they have a clear sense of our mission and are literally invited into its key components: “the presence of God, the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.”
We acknowledged in our proposal that too often during any building project it is tempting to make worship space decisions primarily based on either finances or preferences. Our goal is that through the process we are proposing, these decisions wouldn’t just be based on those factors, but rather would be based on our theological priorities and the mission of Unity church. Unfortunately, if it is simply left up to our own choices our sanctuary could easily become a hodge-podge of preferences and accommodation.
We believe that our church will be strengthened when voices are not ignored, while at the same time each decision is handled thoughtfully and in light of the biblical teaching. We want to make decisions about how our space is organized and designed that facilitates a deeper, awe-inspiring, and intimate connection with God and with people. When we do this we believe that our worship and fellowship will be strengthened. In essence, our goal is to create a thoughtful worship space based on our mission and theological convictions.
Because the goal of these grants is to generate worship renewal, one of the questions was to describe authentic worship. Our response included the ideas that authentic worship is:
• being empowered by the Holy Spirit to engage with God in a way that enables full, conscious, active participation
• being spiritually lifted up by the Holy Spirit to join the Son in the praise, adoration, devotion, and intimacy of communing with the Father
• the outpouring of one’s whole self, both heart and mind, to express and proclaim the all-surpassing value and worth of God who has poured himself out for us
• the back-and-forth, listen-and-respond dialogue of the worshippers’ experience as God speaks to his people through various means
• experiencing a sense of mystery and awe, closeness and intimacy, and a greater awareness of the drama and dialogue between God and his people.
So as we seek to engage in authentic worship, we strive to utilize and adapt our space and environment to communicate who God is and how we worship him, to forge strong connections between mission and worship, to be welcoming and hospitable to all who enter our church, and to draw each worshipper closer to God to discover the fullness of joy that is found only in him.
There are five parts to this worship renewal project to which you are invited to participate:
1. RESEARCH: The first part of the project is to research how to decide on the theological and aesthetic priorities for worship space. This will involve a group of people who will read books and articles on the subject, study what the Bible has to say about it, and visit other churches to see how they have laid out their worship space.
2. WORKSHOPS: The second event will be two workshops on the visual arts of worship that will be open to the entire church and surrounding community. We will bring in presenters who are knowledgeable in this field to lead some sessions and provide for hands-on activities to help us make informed decisions about the space.
3. CLASSES: Following the workshop, the third part of the project will be classes at Unity that focus on both the layout of visual arts, but also the creation of visual arts. The grant will help provide us with materials to make banners, signs, artistic expressions, and other forms of visual art during these classes.
4. FOCUS GROUPS: In conjunction with these classes, the fourth part of the project is to have a study group that will meet with pastors and leaders from other churches and denominations and then go on a retreat to make some final decisions about how to arrange and organize the new worship space.
5. OPEN HOUSE: The final element of our project would be a presentation of all that we learned and did at the Open House of our new facility. Again the entire church and community would be invited to not only see our new worship space, but be informed about how we came to many of the decisions regarding its design.
We believe that this project will be an effective means of learning, growing, connecting, sharing, and playing our part in spreading worship renewal throughout our church and community. One of the major priorities of worship renewal is widespread participation. We are encouraging you to actively participate in as many of these opportunities as you can. We believe that they will be well worth your energy and time, and help all of us engage more deeply in worship.
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
~ Congregational Meeting
~ Potluck/Graduation Party
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
Tuesday:
9:00am - Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group
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
Old Testament Challenge
It’s been 17 weeks! Check out the 7 new games that will test you at www.unitycrc.org/otcgame. Earn as many shekels as you can… And keep reading! The fast-track readings for this week (Week 17) are Psalms 18, 23, 51; 1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 5-6, 11-14, 18. The full listing of the fast-track readings is available online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.
Graduation Congratulations
Congratulations to Lindy Ammerman, celebrating her college graduation today! The festivities begin as a part of the taco feed today and the open house for her continues from 1:30 to 3:30pm in the church fellowship hall.
Calvin College Capella Concert Friday March 24
Housing will be needed for the 40+ members of this group that will be performing at First CRC. They will also need breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date.
Missing a Missionary?
If you check the back of our bulletin to see the names of the missionaries we support, you may notice that the list is slightly shorter than last week. As of the beginning of 2006, we have finished our support for Laci & Nina Bortos and their ministry with D.O.O.R. after the first of this year. The base in Hungary was disbanded and all the personnel from D.O.O.R. are in the process of relocating. And although we feel that D.O.O.R. is an excellent ministry to the deaf people of Europe, we have chosen not to extend our support to the ministry. The $100 that was sent to the Bortos each month is being given to Bob Dykstra, who is ministering with YWAM on a Wisconsin reservation. Bob sends a special "Thank You" to the congregation.
Adopt-A-Missionary
Thank you to Gene & Louise Troyer and Harris & Connie Duininck who "adopted" the Bortos family over the past two years by praying for them. D.O.O.R. and the Bortos appreciated the support of our church with money and with prayer. If anyone is interested in adopting one of our other missionary families, please contact Sarah Brouwer.
Open House Baby Shower
You are invited to an Open House Baby shower for Isaac John, infant son of Lucas and Lyndsey Post on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am at Unity CRC.
Minnesota for Marriage Rally
Saturday, February 11 at 10:00am at Harvest Community Church in Willmar. More details to come.
Emden Annual Soup Supper - January 25, 2006
At the Emden CRC church. We will be serving from 5:00-7:00 p.m and collecting a free-will offering. Come for great soup, fun and fellowship!!
Today we resume our Old Testament Challenge by considering the life of King Saul. Israel’s first king brought a measure of delight and sorrow to the nation. In the end, unfortunately, it turned into disaster. Confidence in anything other than God is cowardice with an attitude. King Saul lived this way. The temptation is very real for us also in this self-made age of today. Hear the warnings from Saul’s life then place your confidence in God anew today. For HE is your strength and your security!
This morning we will also celebrate communion. This is both an individual and communal expression of our life’s commitment to and confidence in Jesus Christ. Remember today that your deliverance from sin and you deliverance to life forever comes only through Jesus Christ. Let your heart’s confession be: Not my will but Yours, O Lord, be done.
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Friendship Series, Lesson 4,
Lunch: Marvin and Marion
Tuesday:
9:00am - Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group
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
~ Congregational Meeting
~Potluck/Graduation Party
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Guest Preaching
Pastor Jeff is preaching in Roseland Reformed Church today while Pastor Jim ministers in Alexandria through the work of their Classis.
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.
Christmas Program
It’s not too late to contribute to our fantastic Christmas Program! Just indicate on your check that your gift is for the program and place it in the offering basket. Thank you!
Old Testament Challenge
The fast-track readings for this week, (Week 17) are Isaiah 9; 11 Psalm 21, Isaiah 53; Zach. 12:10; Psalm 91; Micah 5:1-2; Ezekiel 37; Daniel 7: 1-14; Psalm 110. For the full listing of the fast-track readings, visit www.unitycrc.org/otcreading
It’s been 16 weeks! Are you an Old Testament Expert yet?
Check out the 7 new games that will test you! Earn as many shekels as you can… And keep reading! www.unitycrc.org/otcgame
Annual Volleyball Tournament
The Bethany Christian Services 8th Annual Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9am-5pm in the Prinsburg Central Minnesota Christian School gyms to support your local office in Willmar, MN. Organize your team today and register by January 20th. This fundraiser requires many volunteers to complete. We invite you to become a part of this ministry. See your church mailbox for more information on how you can help or call the office at 320-214-0601 or Linda Madsen.
Open House Baby Shower
You are invited to an Open House Baby shower for Isaac John, infant son of Lucas and Lyndsey Post on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am at Unity CRC.
Calvin College Capella Concert
The Calvin College Capella will present a concert on Friday evening, March 24, at First CRC in Prinsburg. Housing will be needed for the 40+ members along with breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date. Thank you so much!
Happy New Year!
Baptism: This morning we celebrate God’s grace and love being extended to Seth Edward Zwart and the entire Zwart family through the sign and seal of baptism. May this be a time of good news of great joy!
Commissioning: We will also take the opportunity to pray for and bless Willis Wubben as he prepares to leave for Uganda and Rwanda next week. He will be reconnecting with many friends, including a missionary of ours, Pastor Peterson Sozi, and ministering to them with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will be led & directed by the Spirit in all wisdom.
Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - No Worship Service
Tuesday:
10:30am - Library Team Meeting
5:30pm - Executive Team Meeting
6:00pm - Elders Meeting
6:15pm - Deacons Meeting
7:00pm - Council Meeting
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
6:45pm SHARP - Youth Group Movie
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
9:15am - Prayer Time
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Congregational Meetings
(Immediately following the morning worship services)
Sunday, January 15 and
Sunday, February 5
Fellowship Dinner AND Graduation Open House
Sunday, January 15, 2005
Unity will be hosting a fellowship lunch following the January 15 Congregational meeting to celebrate the conclusion of Session Two of OTC. This will coincide with a Graduation Open House for Lindy Ammerman, who graduated from Hersing College. The Lunch is being hosted by Unity and the Ammermans. Serving will begin after the meeting, with the Open House continuing until 3:30pm.
“Thank you to six couples from Unity! We sincerely thank those of you who helped us celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary by sending us cards, letters or by remembering us in your prayers. We were pleased, surprised, and blessed to hear from you!” Ed and Bertie Roels
Out of the Office
Wendy Fisher will be in Michigan for a wedding and to visit with family and friends until January 9th.