March 2006 Archives

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: II Kings 2:1-18
Message: Elisha: Receiving a Spiritual Legacy (Pastor Steve)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan DeGroot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity Church
We confess this day that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of need!” (Psalm 46:1) May your heart and soul be nourished and strengthened in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit today. Be still and know that He is God! (Ps. 46:10). This morning we resume our study of the Old Testament with the story of Elisha. Elisha had big shoes to fill, given Elijah’s ministry that preceded him. Yet, by the power of the Spirit, Elisha enters into a powerful legacy by receiving a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. As we consider Elisha’s ministry, we will also explore the legacy we are called to leave to those who come after us.
This evening we will gather again at 5:00pm to further reflect on the power of legacy. We will devote a portion of this evening to prayer and worship as we devote our hearts to leaving a legacy that honors God and empowers future generations.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar Today (1st Sunday): 10:00am - Morning Worship 5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm - Friendship Ministry

Tuesday:
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group

Saturday:
8:00am - Council Retreat

Next Sunday (2nd 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
Communion will be Maundy Thursday rather than 2nd Sunday
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thursday, April 13
7:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service

Sunday, April 16
8:30am: Easter Breakfast
No Sunday School or Children’s Church

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Thank You: We wish to voice our deep appreciation for the many expressions of support and caring through phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, and memorial gifts in memory of our dad, George Jasper. Our Lord’s love demonstrated through the family of God has truly been a blessing for us and a source of great encouragement. Thank you!~ Gar & Beth Jasper

Continued Prayer: Please continue in prayer for the families touched by the tragedy of last week. Pray for the Mikelsons, Gerdes, Bonnemas, and Koenans. May our prayer be for comfort and grace in truth and understanding.

Message from Ruth Veltkamp: We heard of how 3 students from Central were in a car accident and that two died, both wonderful Christians. Please tell the congregation that we are praying for the student body and family and friends that God will comfort them. We pray that in this situation God will work for good, for the salvation and re-dedication of many more.

UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Prison Ministry Training: The next training session for prison ministry will be held on Tues., April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. May 6 is the next date for full training in St. Cloud. Anyone who would like to participate when we lead worship at the prison should attend one of these trainings.

Small Group Smorgasbord: Beginning Easter morning (April 16), there will be a “buffet offering a wide variety of choices” of material for your small group to consider for this summer. Every group is encouraged to participate, as well as those who are interested in joining a group.

Old Testament Challenge (OTC): The fast-track readings for this week (Week 27) are: Amos 1-9, Psalm 82, 140, 146.

College Care Packages: It’s time to send our Spring care packages to our college students! If you have time to bake cookies and drop them off at church before Wednesday at noon please let Pastor Wendy know.

Willmar Food Shelf: Don’t forget that you can give to the Food Shelf by placing designated funds in the offering baskets up until Easter. So far we have raised $359 and several gifts of food. Please consider how you, too, can give to this genuine need in our community.

Community Announcements

Friendship Ministry: This week will be our Easter lesson and mentors should bring in their teacher manuals. Anyone interested in serving as a mentor is welcome to join us at Willmar CRC on April 3 or 17.

Dad’s Belgian Waffle Supper: Tues., April 4, 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Come to the CMCS High School cafeteria for dinner! Free-will donations will be taken for the CMCS Juniors and Seniors to use on their Mission Trip. Carry-outs are available. Enjoy the Fine Arts Night display beginning at 6:30pm in the High School Gym also.

CMCS K-4th: “Music and Me” Thurs., April 6 at 7:00pm: Come to the high school gym and enjoy this wonderful musical! Along with the musical you will hear Easter music selections and the Patriotic Recorders. Students are under the direction of Mrs. Barb Swanson.

Celebration Singers: The Celebration Singers of First CRC of Willmar will present the Easter Cantata on Palm Sunday, April 9 at 9:30am.

ON CALL Presents: KIDS’ ROCK WORSHIP WORKSHOP
This will take place Sunday, April 9, at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. Registration is at 1:00pm, 1st - 6th graders are welcome. Come, rehearse, and rock out with the On Call band. Get a t-shirt, snacks and dinner! A concert will be given at 7:00pm that night. On Call is raising funds for their Mission Trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica and the cost of the workshop is $30.00 and a pair of new or gently used kids’ shoes, which will be used for our ministry in Nicaragua. Contact Youth For Christ at 235-0119 for more info.

Senior Citizens Potluck - Thursday, April 13th, 11:30am:
Come to the Community Center. We will be entertained by a woman who is blind, Ruth Agman, who will play and sing for us.

Return Trip to the Gulf
Duane Bonnema is organizing a group of area church volunteers to lend a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulfport area of Mississippi. This group will be leaving on Saturday morning, April 8, 2006, and returning Saturday evening, April 15, 2006. We are looking for additional volunteers to join in our efforts to bring a ray of hope to a very desperate situation. We are especially welcoming those who are skilled at carpentry, sheet rocking, shingling, and wiring. If you are unable to join us on this trip, but are willing to help, we are in great need of building supplies, food, and funding for purchasing the building materials needed for several work projects. Most of all, your continued prayers and support are coveted as we plan and prepare to return to the Gulf. If you have any questions or can help in any way, please contact Duane Bonnema.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Message: “In Life and In Death” (Pastor Steve)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan DeGroot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity Church As we come to worship God today, many of our hearts and minds are remembering those who have died both this week and in the past year. We bring with us to this place and before the throne of God our tears, laughter, losses, memories, hope, and unanswered questions and know more than ever that we cannot make it on our own. Today we fall before God in worship, trusting him as our rock, our strength, our shelter, our redeemer, and our comforter.

Next Week: Due to our change in plans, the OTC will resume next week with a look at the life and ministry of Elisha. We will see what it takes to receive a spiritual legacy, and for Elisha, to receive “a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah.”

Old Testament Challenge (OTC): The fast-track readings for this week are again Week 26: 1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2-6; and Psalms 84, 144, 145. For the complete fast-track reading schedule, go online to our website at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading. For those using the full version, this is a catch-up week. If you want to finish by May 28, you should be finished with Isaiah at the end of this week.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (4th Sunday):
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
9:00am - Prayer for Missionaries
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
Saturday, April 8
Council Retreat (Elder and Deacon Nominations Due)

Thursday, April 13
7:00pm: Maundy Thursday Service

Sunday, April 16
8:30am: Easter Breakfast
No Sunday School or Children’s Church

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Sympathy Our sympathy and prayers are daily going out to the families, friends, teachers, youth leaders, pastors, and others who mourn the deaths of Adam Mikelson and Jon Bonnema. We pray that the God of hope who promises to welcome home the faithful and to be close to the brokenhearted will wrap his arms tightly around our community during this very sorrowful time.

Thank you
We want to express our sincere thanks for all your support and kindness in the loss of our precious mom and grandma. We were very touched by your prayers, words of encouragement, visits, hugs, phone calls, cards, gifts, flowers and memorials. We could definitely feel the love of God flowing through you to us in so many
ways. Thanks again! ~Dave & Arlene Groen & Family

Open House Bridal Shower
You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Beth Fischer, bride-elect of Justin Kors. The shower will be at Unity on Saturday, April 1 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

The next training session for prison ministry will be held on Tues., April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. May 6 is the next date for full training in St. Cloud. Anyone who would like to participate when we lead worship at the prison should attend one of these trainings.

Small Group Smorgasbord
Beginning Easter morning (April 16), there will be a “buffet offering a wide variety of choices” of material for your small group to consider for this summer. Every group is encouraged to participate, as well as those who are interested in joining a group.

Invitation to Pray
The Missions Team, and everyone else who wants to support missions with prayer as much as paychecks, is invited to come to Pastor Jeff's office from 9:00 to 9:45am next week Sunday. We will have a sheet of recent prayer concerns for each of our missionary families, and we will take time to pray for all of them. Our missionaries are very grateful that we support them with prayer as well as supporting them financially. Join us every first Sunday of the month for our monthly prayer time. If you cannot make it during this time, and you would like to receive a prayer sheet each month, please contact Sarah Brouwer or print a copy off the church website at www.unitycrc.org/missions.

Community Announcements

Manhattan Christian Concert TONIGHT Sunday, March 26 The Manhattan Christian Concert Choir will present a sacred concert at First CRC at 7:00 PM. The choir is from Manhattan, Montana Christian High School. They are directed by Mr. Gene Reichert. A free-will offering will be received to help with tour expenses. A time of coffee and fellowship will also follow the concert.

CMCS Information
Due to the tragic deaths and funerals of Adam Mikelson and Jon Bonnema, CMCS will not hold classes for any grades on Monday or Tuesday this week. The play Annie Get Your Gun is being postponed until April 20-22.

Visitation and Funeral Details
Visitation for Jon Bonnema will be today from 6-9pm at Willmar Assembly of God. The funeral will be Monday at 10am at Willmar Assembly of God.

Visitation for Adam Mikelson will be Monday from 4-8pm at the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10:00am at Willmar Assembly of God.

Prinsburg Fire Department & First Responders Pancake Supper
This event will be held on Tuesday, March 28 from 5:00pm-7:30pm at the CMCS Cafeteria. Pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee and juice will be served. Free-will donation.

Dad’s Belgian Waffle Supper Tuesday, April 4 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Come to the CMCS High School
cafeteria for dinner! Free-will donations will be taken to support the Juniors and Seniors of CMCS on their California Mission Trip. Carry-outs are available. Enjoy the Fine Arts Night display beginning at 6:30pm in the High School Gym also.

CMCS K-4th Present: “Music and Me” - Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm
Come to the high school gym and enjoy this wonderful musical! Along with the musical you will hear Easter music selections and the Patriotic Recorders. Students are under the direction of Mrs. Barb Swanson.

ON CALL Presents: KIDS’ ROCK WORSHIP WORKSHOP
This workshop will take place on Sunday, April 9, at Eagle Lake
Lutheran Church. Registration is at 1:00pm. Wanna praise God and be an honorary On Call member for the day? Come, rehearse, and rock out with the On Call band. Get a t-shirt, snacks and dinner! 1st - 6th grades are welcome. There’s also a concert at 7:00pm that night. This is a fundraiser for the On Call Mission Trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Cost of the workshop is $30.00 and a pair of new or gently used children’s shoes, which will be used for our ministry in Nicaragua. Contact Youth For Christ at 235-0119 for more information.

What is the OTC? The Old Testament Challenge is a 32-week integrated discovery of the life-changing relevance of God's Word designed to immerse the whole congregation in a comprehensive study of the Old Testament on three levels:

1) corporate worship
2) small groups
3) individual reading

.
The OTC also includes several activities for more learning and fun! We expect the OTC to have many benefits for our church.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-19 (Scripture Reader: Delroy Ledeboer)
Message: “Elijah: Ups and Downs of Living for God (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan DeGroot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity Church!

As the word of the Lord came to Elijah nearly 3000 years ago, it is our desire that the Word of God (Jesus Christ) would come to you this day. May you truly experience the presence of God in worship today.

Supporting the Persecuted Church
During the season of Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1) to Easter (April 16), we will be focusing our attention on some of the places around the world where Christians face intense persecution. Each week we will get a snapshot of a different nation where those who believe in Jesus are refused fundamental human rights simply because of their faith. Please make it a priority to pay attention to and pray for the needs of those who are facing suffering. As a reminder of the nations we are praying for, we will hang their flags in the sanctuary each week.

Next Week: Our study of the Old Testament prophets continues with Elijah’s successor, Elisha. As we look at the life and ministry of Elisha we will see what it takes to receive a spiritual legacy, and for Elisha, receiving “a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah.”

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (3rd Sunday):
10:00am - Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK and in grades K-2 will be dismissed by announcement for Children’s Church
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm - Friendship Class: Review
~ Lunch: Elva and Lois

Tuesday:
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group

Next Sunday (4th 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 (OTC):
The fast-track readings for this week (Week 26) are 1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2-6; and Psalms 84, 144, 145. For the complete fast-track reading schedule, go online to our website at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading. For the people who are reading using the full version, if you want to finish by May 28, you should be reading for week 30 (Isaiah 45-66).

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Open House Bridal Shower You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Beth Fischer, who is engaged to be married to Justin Kors. The shower will be at Unity on Sat., April 1 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

Elder and Deacon Nominations
If you wish to nominate someone for elder or deacon, please pass along those names to one of the Council members prior to the April 8 Retreat.

Pastor Steve Back in Office
Pastor Steve and Ang will return from their trip to Arizona this Tuesday, March 21. Pastor Steve will be back in the church office and available on Wednesday.

UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Prison Ministry Training The next training session for prison ministry will be held on Tuesday, April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. May 6 is the next date for training in St. Cloud. Anyone who is interested in participating when Unity leads worship at the prison should attend one of these trainings.

Small Group Smorgasbord
Beginning Easter morning (April 16), there will be a “buffet offering a wide variety of choices” of material for your small group to consider for this summer. Every group is encouraged to participate, as well as those who are interested in joining a group.

March Campaign for the Willmar Food Shelf
There are several ways to give:

• By designated cash in the offering


• By designated check in the offering


• By bringing food named on the “Grocery List”

Please keep the staff and clients of the Food Shelf in your prayers as well. More information and extra copies of the “Grocery List”
are located on a table in the Fellowship Hall.

MN Marriage Amendment
On Tuesday, March 21, there will an attempt to bring the Marriage Amendment out of committee at the Minnesota State Capitol. Minnesota for Marriage is asking all those who support this initiative to gather at the Capitol building at 11:00am to rally for the amendment. The goal of this rally is to get the amendment to the floor of the Senate and on the ballot this fall. R&J Tours is supplying buses for this trip at a cost of $10.00 per person. The buses will leave the southeast corner of the Kandi Mall at 8:45am and return around mid-afternoon. Reserve your place today. For more info contact Pastor Brent Waldemarsen at Harvest Community Church (235-2106) or go online to www.minnesotaformarriage.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bunde Young Peoples Annual Soup and Pie Supper Three kinds of soup plus a variety of pies will be served on Wednesday, March 22 from 5:00-7:30 pm. Freewill donations will go to help our youth programs. Contact Becky Graves at 967-4218 with any questions.

Calvin College Capella Choir
On Friday, March 24 the Calvin College Capella Choir will present a concert at First CRC at 7:30 PM. The CMCS Choir will also perform several selections as part of this concert. There will be no admission charge. A free-will offering will be received for the music programs of both schools. There will be a time for
coffee and fellowship following.

Manhattan Christian Concert
On Sunday, March 26 the Manhattan Christian Concert Choir will present a sacred concert at First CRC at 7:00 PM. The evening worship has been rescheduled to 5:30 PM. The choir is from Manhattan, Montana Christian High School, and is directed by Mr. Gene Reichert. There will be a free-will offering to help with tour expenses. A time for coffee and fellowship will also follow the concert.

Dad’s Belgian Waffle Supper
Tuesday, April 4 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Come to the CMCS High School cafeteria for dinner! Free-will donations will be taken to support the Juniors and Seniors of CMCS on their California Mission Trip. Carry-outs are available. Enjoy the Fine Arts Night display beginning at 6:30pm in the High School Gym also.

CMCS Presents: Annie Get Your Gun
Performances are Thursday, March 30 at 7:00pm; Friday, March 31 at 12:30pm; and Saturday, April 1 at 7:00pm in the high school gym.
Tickets are available for purchase in the high school office or at the door. Cost of admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. The CMCS Mission Trip students will also be selling homemade bars and beverages during intermission and after the musical as a fundraiser for their California Mission Trip in April.

CMCS K - 4th present: “Music and Me”
Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm. Come to the high school gym and enjoy this wonderful musical. Along with the musical you will hear Easter music selections and the Patriotic Recorders. Students are under the direction of Mrs. Barb Swanson.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 12:1-15 (Scripture Reader: Lody Johnson)
Message: “The Divided Kingdom: Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom” (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan DeGroot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity Church!

We are delighted that you have joined us for worship this morning. But more importantly, God is delighted that you are worshiping him. May his mercy release you, his grace empower you, his love quiet you, and his joy fill you as you enter his presence today.

Supporting the Persecuted Church
During the season of Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1) to Easter (April 16), we will be focusing our attention on some of the places around the world where Christians face intense persecution. Each week we will get a snapshot of a different nation where those who believe in Jesus are refused fundamental human rights simply because of their faith. Please make it a priority to pay attention to and pray for the needs of those who are facing suffering. As a reminder of the nations we are praying for, we will hang their flags in the sanctuary each week.

Next Week: We begin our study of the prophets by looking at Elijah. His life and ministry is characterized by a lot of turmoil, turbulence, and turnoffs. But he also demonstrates how to walk in faith, even in a world of chaos.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am - Morning Worship
12:00pm - All-Church Potluck
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
6:00pm - Prison Ministry Training (St. Cloud, MN)
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
No Sunday School
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Old Testament Challenge (OTC):
The fast-track readings for this week (Week 25) are 1 Kings 17, 18, 19:1-14 and Psalms 63, 97, 139. For the complete fast-track reading schedule, visit us online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading. For the people who are following the full version, if you want to finish by May 28, you should be reading for week 29 (Isaiah 23-44).

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Open House Bridal Shower You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Beth Fischer, who is engaged to be married to Justin Kors. The shower will be at Unity on Sat., April 1 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

Classis Update
Classis Lake Superior (the regional body of CRC churches to which we belong) voted this past week at its meeting in Alexandria to allow female elders and pastors to be ordained in this region and delegated to its meetings. While this is an encouragement to some individuals and churches, it also proves unsettling for others. Please pray for the churches in our classis that we would seek unity in the body across this region in the months to come.

Pastor Steve in Arizona
Pastor Steve & Ang (& Seth) arrive in Arizona today for some rest and
fellowship with our snowbirds. They will be returning Tuesday, March 21. Pray for refreshment for the Zwarts, good health for their children who remain back here, and a great time of visiting with the members of our fellowship in the Phoenix/Tucson/Mesa areas.

UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

MN Marriage Amendment
Tomorrow, Monday, March 13, there will an attempt to bring the Marriage Amendment out of committee at the Minnesota State Capitol. Minnesota for Marriage is asking as many supporters as possible to gather at the Capitol building at 11:00am to rally for the amendment. This is an important first step in getting the amendment to the floor of the Senate and on the ballot this fall. Your prayers and participation are strongly encouraged! For more info and (possible) bus ride to St. Paul, please contact Pastor Brent Waldemarsen at Harvest Community Church (235-2106) or log onto www.minnesotaformarriage.org.

Prison Ministry Training
The next training sessions for prison ministry will be held on March 14 and May 6 in St. Cloud. There will also be a training session on Tues., April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.

Elder and Deacon Nominations
If you wish to nominate someone for elder or deacon, please pass along those names to one of the Council members prior to the April 8 Retreat.

Small Group Smorgasbord
As the OTC comes to a close, you may be asking what your small group should do next. In April, after Easter, will be a “buffet offering a variety of choices” for you to consider. Anyone interested in joining a small group is encouraged to attend as well.

Community Announcements

Red Cross Bloodmobile
At the Raymond Christian Reformed Church. Tuesday, March 14 from 1:00pm - 7:00pm. For appointments please call 967-41399. Walk-ins are welcome. Child care will be provided.

The Braschler Music Show
Saturday, March 19. Show times are 4:00pm and 7:00 pm. Contact Sue at 847-3641 to reserve your seat. This will be the last year that CMCS will sponsor the Braschler's.

Bunde Young Peoples Annual Soup and Pie Supper
Three kinds of soup plus a variety of pies will be served on Wednesday, March 22 from 5:00-7:30 pm. Freewill donations will go to help our youth programs. Contact Becky Graves at 967-4218 with any questions.

Calvin College Choir in Concert
As part of its Spring Tour 2006, the Capella of Calvin College will perform in concert on Friday, March 24 at 7:30pm at First CRC in Prinsburg. Under the direction of Dr. Joel Navarro, Calvin's concert choir will present the program, ”Jubilate!” on the joys of the Christian life. To close the concert the Capella will be joined by the Central Minnesota Christian High School Choir. Admission to the concert is free with a free-will offering received for the Calvin College and the Central Minnesota Christian High School music programs. For more information, contact Rev. David Zylstra at 978-8975.

Calvin College Capella Housing Needed
Would you be willing to host some of the students of the 40+ members of this group overnight and provide breakfast and a sack lunch for them on Saturday? Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship area. Thank you.

Lake Geneva Christian Reformed Family Conference
Mark your calendars for August 7- 10 for the 23rd Annual Conference. Rev. Roger Kok from Grand Rapids, MI and Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn from Sioux Falls, SD will be this year’s keynote speakers. Registration information will be in the bulletin at a later date. Bring your family - invite your friends - plan to be challenged and inspired!

Don’t forget to support the March Campaign for the Willmar Food Shelf!
There are several ways to give:

• By designated cash in the offering


• By designated check in the offering


• By bringing food named on the “Grocery List”

Please keep the staff and clients of the Food Shelf in your prayers as well. More information and extra copies of the “Grocery List”
are located on a table in the Fellowship Hall.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading:
Job 1:6-12, 34:1-12, 42:1-6
(Scripture Reader: Dave Groen)
Message:
“Sin, Satan, and Suffering: The Plight of Job and the Wisdom of God” (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshiper: Heather Pluimer
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity Church! The God of the Universe, who created everything we see, desires to reveal himself to you. He has shown us his love, his grace, his mercy, his wisdom, and his goodness. As we gather today to worship Him, may you truly discover the joy that comes from knowing Him.

Supporting the Persecuted Church
During the season of Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1) to Easter (April 16), we will be focusing our attention on some of the places around the world where Christians face intense persecution. Each week we will get a snapshot of a different nation where those who believe in Jesus are refused fundamental human rights simply because of their faith. Please make it a priority to pay attention to and pray for the needs of those who are facing suffering. A take-home guide on ways to support the persecuted church has been provided with your bulletin.

Next Week: We conclude our study of this section focusing on the wisdom books with a look at a historical event that demonstrated much foolishness - the division of the Kingdom of Israel.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

All Church Potluck - Sunday, March 12
Lets “Wrap” up another section of the Old Testament Challenge with an all church potluck on March 12th. Wraps will be provided. Please bring wrap fixings, salads or bars. Care Group #4 is responsible for set up and clean up. See you all there!

Sympathy
Our sympathy goes out to Gar & Beth Jasper and their family at the passing of Gar’s father this past Sunday. We pray for blessing on their travel and God’s comfort in their grief.

Thank You
Once again I say “Thank you” to my Unity Church family for the beautiful floral bouquet and the cards. What a blessing you are! Thank you. ~ Elva

UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Prison Ministry Training
The next training sessions for prison ministry will be held on Tues., March 14 and Sat., May 6. There will also be a training session on Tues., April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.

Notes from Council Meeting

• Jeff Fisher informed the Council that he will accept the call to serve as the second full-time pastor.


• Jeff Poppema and Jeff Fisher will be delegates to Classis March 6-7 in Alexandria.


• The Council expressed support for Pastor Steve and Ang to spend time with our snowbirds and others from the community in Arizona and for Pastor Steve to preach while they are there. They will be gone March 12-21.


• The Council’s Spring Retreat will be held on April 8 with a focus on the vision of Unity Church.

Elder and Deacon Nominations
If you wish to nominate someone for elder or deacon, please pass along those names to one of the Council members prior to the April 8 Retreat.

Small Group Smorgasbord
As the OTC comes to a close, many will be wondering what their small group should do next. Coming in April, after Easter, will be a “buffet offering a variety of choices” for your small group to consider. Anyone who is interested in joining a small group is encouraged to attend as well.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Cadets Meeting - March 22
Because of the Day of Prayer service at First Church on March 8, we will not have Cadets that Wednesday night.

Correction for Cadet Calendar
The Cadet Calendar showed March 1 as a Tuesday instead of a Wednesday, so the entire month is off one day. Please make the change on your calendars. Sorry for the confusion this may have caused.

Bunde Young Peoples Annual Soup and Pie Supper
Three kinds of soup plus a variety of pies will be served on Wednesday, March 22 from 5:00-7:30 pm. Freewill donations will go to help our youth programs. Contact Becky Graves with any questions.

Wills & Estate Planning
Don Long from Barnabas Foundation will be in our area from March 8-10. Please contact Barnabas Foundation toll-free at 1-888-448-3040 to arrange an appointment.

The Braschler Music Show - Saturday, March 19
Show times are 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Contact Sue at 847-3641 to reserve your seat. This will be the last year that CMCS will sponsor the Braschler's.

Lake Geneva Christian Reformed Family Conference
Mark your calendars for August 7- 10 for the 23rd Annual Conference. Rev. Roger Kok from Grand Rapids, MI and Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn from Sioux Falls, SD will be this year’s keynote speakers. Registration information will be in the bulletin at a later date. Bring your family - invite your friends - plan to be challenged and inspired!

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” Musical
You are invited to join us for “the ultimate family musical!” Presented by the West Central Youth For Christ. Friday, March 10 at 7:00pm, Saturday, March 11 at 2:00pm or 7:00pm and Sunday, March 12 at 2:00pm or 7:00pm. Tickets are free and available at Youth For Christ and LuLu Beans. For more information please call 320-235-0119.

Calvin College Choir in Concert
As part of its Spring Tour 2006, the Capella of Calvin College will perform in concert on Friday, March 24 at 7:30pm at First CRC in Prinsburg. Under the direction of Dr. Joel Navarro, Calvin's concert choir will present the program, ”Jubilate!” on the joys of the Christian life. To close the concert the Capella will be joined by the Central Minnesota Christian High School Choir. Admission to the concert is free with a free-will offering received for the Calvin College and the Central Minnesota Christian High School music programs. For more information, contact Rev. David Zylstra at 978-8975.

Calvin College Capella Housing Needed
Would you be willing to host some of the students of the 40+ members of this group overnight and provide breakfast and a sack lunch on Saturday? Please sign up on the sheet in the fellowship area. Thank you.