October 2006 Archives

The psalmist invites us to make a noise that is full of joy, and to come into the presence of the Lord with gladness. Because God is good and faithful to every generation, we come together to celebrate and worship.

Baptism

As part of our time of celebration this morning we all get to participate in the baptism of Tyler Nett. In baptism, we are reminded that God comes to us and claims us as his own, and through the symbol of water we are cleansed and welcomed into the family of God.

Worship Team Commissioning

Near the end of the service today, we will also be commissioning all of the members of our church who use their gifts by leading us in worship each week. We give thanks for them and their willingness to serve our church.

Guest Preaching

Pastor Jeff is preaching at Willmar CRC this morning due to the fact that their interim pastor had to leave sooner than expected because of a decline in the health of his son. Please pray for Rev. Jerry Gunnick and his family.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (5th Sunday):
1:00pm: Christmas Program Read Through
6:30pm: Reformation Day Worship at Bethany Reformed Church

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm: Friendship Class at Willmar CRC - Lesson 3

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
6:45pm: CADETS at First CRC
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 7-12 at the Rock on 8th
7:00pm: Men’s Bible Study at Hoekstra’s
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Friday:
6:30pm: Ladies Night Out

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Missions Prayer Time
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
Noon Meal: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Unity Church Ministry Opportunities

Love Fund Offering

This morning’s offering is for the Love Fund - our account that helps those in financial need. We only collect for this fund when there is a 5th Sunday in a month. As always, you may designate your check for any other specific use (general, building, missions, Christian education) or at any time give to the Love Fund. Thank you for your gifts.

College Care Packages

We are sending out care packages of goodies to our college students this week. Parents, please verify that we have your student’s correct address if you have not already submitted it to the office. Thank you.

Wild at Heart Men’s Group

We are meeting this Wednesday, November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. We will be starting our discussion of the book, Wild at Heart. If you want to join us and need a copy of the book, you may pick one up from the church office.

Ladies Night Out!

Friday, November 3 at 6:30 pm. Come to Unity to be pampered. Enjoy a Relaxation Spa by Beauti Control. Feast on samples from Tastefully Simple; and then watch a movie with your girlfriends! Bring your pillows, blankets, and your favorite slippers for a RELAXING evening! Sorry ladies, this is only for you - no kids allowed. Sign up today in the back of church. For more information call April Swierenga or Heather Nett.

Missions Prayer Time Next Week

You are invited to join the Missions & Outreach Team for a time of prayer for our missionaries at 9:00am next week (and every first Sunday of the month) in Pastor Jeff's office.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Sunday, November 5 - If you are participating in this event next Sunday, the next set of details are in your church mailboxes today. Next Sunday you will receive instructions on what house you will be going to for dinner at noon. Enjoy!

Adult Education Sunday Schedule

There is no Adult Sunday School next week. The class will meet again on Sunday, November 12 at 8:45 am. Join us then as we continue our journey of exploring the universe and its origins from both a biblical and a scientific perspective. The complete schedule for Adult Education is available online at www.unitycrc.org/adulted.

Pastor Jeff Out of the Office

Pastor Jeff and Wendy will be gone from Wednesday, November 1 until Monday, November 6. They will be traveling to Iowa to celebrate all the Holidays with Jeff’s family.

Mark Your Calendar

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Wednesday, November 22 - 7:00pm

Christmas Program

Saturday, December 16 - 7:00pm Sunday, December 17 - 5:00pm

Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 24- 5:00pm

We have come to this place today to approach the throne of God, where we find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Because Jesus, the Son of God, was tempted in every way but never sinned, he became for us the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice, and has granted us access to approach God, the Holy One and worship Him.

Guest Preaching

This morning, we welcome to our church, Dr. Joy Bonnema, associate professor of biology at Calvin College and a member of the preaching team at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She brings to us an essential message on the power of the cross to set us free from the wounds that sin brings into our lives. Joy is the daughter of Den & Sheri Pluimer, and the sister of Mike Pluimer. We give thanks to God for Joy’s willingness to use her gifts and minister among us.

Pastor Steve is preaching and leading the celebration of baptism at Raymond Christian Reformed Church today.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (4th Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship

Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 9-12 Parents’ Night
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Next Sunday (5th Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
6:30pm: Reformation Day Worship at Bethany Reformed Church

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, November 22

Thanksgiving Eve Service - 7:00pm

Saturday, December 16 - 7:00pm
Sunday, December 17 - 5:00pm

“Open Hearts in Bethlehem” Christmas Program

Sunday, December 24

Christmas Eve Service - 5:00pm

Unity Church Ministry Opportunities

College Care Packages

It is time to remind our college students that we love them! Care packages will be mailed on Monday, October 30. If you would like to bake something to include, let Wendy Fisher know and bring your goodies on Sunday, October 29. Parents, please verify that we have your student’s correct address this week if you have not already submitted it to the office.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner - Sunday, November 5

Please return your response to the box in the Fellowship Area today. All the details were in church mailboxes last week. If you did not get one, you may pick one up by the box (and fill it out and return it right away). Next Sunday you will receive further instructions.

Wednesday Night Men’s Group

Our next meeting will be November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. Our goal is to have the book, Wild at Heart, read by that meeting. If you need a copy, you may get one from the church office.

Adult Education Sunday Schedule

There is no Adult Sunday School next week. The class will meet again on Sunday, November 12 at 8:45 am. Join us then as we continue our journey of exploring the universe and its origins from both a biblical and a scientific perspective. The complete schedule for Adult Education is available online at www.unitycrc.org/adulted.

Youth Group Parent’s Night

Parents of 9th-12th graders, you are invited to join us at Youth Group this week! Wednesday, October 25 is Parent's Night at Youth Group. We will begin at 6:30 pm, and be done around 9:00 pm. We guarantee you’ll love it.

Worship Team Commissioning

Next Sunday, October 29, as part of our focus on Worship and Celebration, we will be commissioning the members of our church who use their gifts by leading us in worship each week.

Ladies Night Out!

Friday, November 3 at 6:30 pm, come to Unity to be pampered. Enjoy a Relaxation Spa by Beauti Control. Feast on samples from Tastefully Simple; and then watch a movie with your girlfriends! Bring your pillows, blankets, and your favorite slippers for a RELAXING evening! Sorry ladies, this is only for you - no kids allowed. Sign up today in the back of church. For more information call April Swierenga or Heather Nett!

Pampered Chef Bridal Shower

A bridal shower will be held for Renae Post, bride-to-be of Corey Van Stelten, at Unity Church on Saturday, October 28 from 1-3 pm. You are welcome to bring a gift if you have something else in mind, but you are invited to purchase a Pampered Chef gift for her which she will benefit from as the hostess. If you have any questions, you may call Lyndsey Post, Pampered Chef Consultant.

JAIL and PRISON MINISTRY

Then the King will say… “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you... For I was in prison and you came to me.” … And the righteous will reply… “When did we see you in prison and visit you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did to me.” Matthew 25:34-40

Did You Know?

• 34% of the Inmates at St Cloud say they have no religious preference, and 53% say they are Christian.


• Since 2004, Kandiyohi County Jail has housed an average of 152.5 inmates per day.

Bible Studies at Kandiyohi County Jail

Tuesday Nights 7:00pm - Women’s Wednesday Nights 7:00pm - Men’s

Worship Services at St. Cloud Penitentiary

3rd Sundays of February, May, August, and November

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners…” Hebrews 13:3

Community Announcements

Celebrate Home for the Holidays Celebrate all the holidays with the Table Setting & Quilt Display at First Covenant Church on Saturday, October 28 from 9am -1pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at Cash Wise, United Way, Cub Foods, Good News Book Store, First Covenant Church, or at the door. Uniquely and beautifully decorated tables, quilts, and other seasonal items will be on display. Holiday foods and beverages will be available for your tasting experience.

Annual Reformation Day Service
The annual Reformation Service for area CRC/RCA churches will be held October 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Bethany is in charge of the service this year and invites you to a time of celebration in music and praise, prayer, and preaching as well as fellowship and refreshments afterward. The Hand Bell Choir will begin performing at 6:10 before the Reformation Service begins. Everyone is welcome to come early and hear them play. Bethany is located at 222 North Main Street.

Senior Citizens
Our November meeting will be held at the community center on Thursday, November 2. We will have a catered Thanksgiving dinner at 11:30. Please call in your reservation for the dinner if you have not already done so. The cost will be $5.00/person. After our noon lunch Gil Nelson will display some of his 3-D wood carvings and explain a bit about this unique work. Later it will be games and cards. REMEMBER to call in your reservation to Ardy Zondervan.

THANK-YOU FROM FRIENDSHIP

Friendship Bible Ministries is off to a good start. We have 54 students and 28 Mentors for Monday night and 72 students and 26 Mentors for Tuesday night. Laura Hoekstra and Marianne Koning are leading our group lesson. We are looking forward to our 7th annual Retreat. We want to thank all who participated in our 4th annual Disability Awareness Sunday. We hope all who attended were blessed and challenged. We thank you for blessing Friendship Ministries with an offering of $967.00. Please feel welcomed to come and visit our classes anytime. -- Friendship Board and Friends.

At our last meeting, we discussed making visits to other churches, particularly in the Twin Cities area, to "read" their worship space. The following ten churches are the ones we will have a team of people go to.

If there is a specific church you would like to visit, please email Pastor Jeff. The churches with Saturday night and Sunday night services are italicized for those who cannot visit on a Sunday morning. You may find more information about each church by clicking on the church name.

Worship Space Church Visits

Church	Address	City	Service Time(s)
Solomon's Porch	100 W 46th St	Minneapolis	Sunday 5:00 & 7:00 pm
Our Savior Lutheran Church	2315 Chicago Ave S	Minneapolis	Sunday 10:30 am
Bethlehem Baptist Church	720 13th Ave S	Minneapolis	Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 9:00, 11:00 am
Grace University Lutheran	324 Harvard St SE	Minneapolis	Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 am
Spirit Garage	711 W Franklin Ave (Theater Garage)	Minneapolis	Sunday 10:00 & 11:15 am
Church of the Open Door	9060 Zanzibar Ln N	Maple Grove	Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am
Grace Church	9301 Eden Prairie Rd	Eden Prairie	Sunday 9:00 & 10:30 am
Westwood Community Church	3121 Westwood Dr	Excelsior	Sunday 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 am, 5:00 pm
Roseville Lutheran Church	1215 West Roselawn Ave	Roseville	Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9:00, 11:00 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church	2035 West 15th St	Hastings	Saturday 4:30 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am, 6:00 pm

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Reader: Roxie Marcus)
Message Series: Just a Closer Walk with Jesus
Message: “By All Means, Win More” (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper(s): Gar, Paul, & Pam

Welcome to Unity! It is an incredible honor that God has given to us to come together every week to worship him. He has blessed us beyond measure, going so far as to give us his own Son, Jesus. May we all receive God’s blessings this morning in our time of worship together.

Jail and Prison Ministry

This morning as part of our focus on service and evangelism, we are also going to highlight the prison and jail ministries we participate in at Unity. If you have interest in participating in these ministries, please talk to Pastor Jeff or Sarah Brouwer, the chair of the Missions & Outreach Team.

Guest Preacher Next Sunday

Next week, we welcome Joy Bonnema to our church as she preaches on the power of the cross. Joy is associate professor of biology at Calvin College and a member of the preaching team at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (3rd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship

Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 7-12
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Friday - Saturday:
7:00pm: Youth Group Lock-In at the Rock on 8th

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Adult Sunday School
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship

Mark Your Calendar

Reformation Day Worship

Sunday, October 29 at Bethany Reformed Church

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Sunday, November 5 - A night filled with food, fellowship and fun. Details to follow. Fun for all ages!

Unity Church Ministry Opportunities

Fun Fellowship Opportunity

The “God Is Closer Than You Think” small group invites everyone to join us TODAY for an evening filled with fun at Dave and Betty Ammerman’s farm site. We will be shooting clay pigeons at 4:00pm. And then have a bonfire, with hotdogs and chips for supper. There will also be volleyball and other games available for you to play. If you are shooting, please bring your own firearms and ammunition; the pigeons will be provided. Please have all guns unloaded and cased. Come for all or part of the time. It will be great fun. If you need directions please talk to the Ammermans.

Adult Sunday School

“From the beginning…,” a biblical and scientific exploration of the universe will meet again next Sunday at the Duininck Companies building. After next week, we will be meeting every other week. You are welcome to join this very relevant study at any time.

Wednesday Night Men’s Group

Our next meeting will be November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. Our goal is to have the book, Wild at Heart, read by that meeting. If you need a copy, you may get one from the church office.

Youth Group Parent’s Night

Parents of 9th-12th graders, please

Mark Your Calendar

s. We'd like you to come Wednesday, October 25 for a special Parent's Night youth group from 6:30-9pm.

Important Ministry Opportunity

There are only 10 slots open for you to do ministry by playing for two hours! If you like to play with kids and have one Wednesday night free, we would like to give you the opportunity to help transform people’s lives by watching their children while they participate in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. This opportunity is limited to the first 10 that sign-up, so PLEASE sign up today on the sheet by the serving window in the fellowship hall.

Computer Help Needed

The computer projection team is looking for one more person to help run the computer during worship once a month. If you are interested please contact Chad Ulferts.

Worship Team Commissioning

In two weeks, on October 29, as part of that Sunday’s focus on Worship and Celebration, we will be commissioning the members of our church who use their gifts by leading us in worship each week.

Worship Grant Project

Everyone involved in a focus group for our study of Worship Space should be reading the first reader’s packet and their section of the other packets so that they can contribute to the group’s discussion of their topic.

The Grandeur of God
Joy Bonnema at First Christian Reformed Church
It may be easy to see glimpses of God’s glory in the brilliant fall colors, the expanse of the night sky, or in a glorious sunset over a Minnesota lake, but it’s not as often that we consider his glory as displayed at the microscopic level…. or in a creature as strange as a sloth.

You are invited to a special sight/sound presentation by Dr. Joy Pluimer Bonnema at the First CRC of Prinsburg on Wednesday, October 18, at 7:30 PM. Dr. Bonnema, a native of Raymond, is an Associate Professor of Biology at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

From cells to galaxies, from beauty to brokenness, her engaging presentation will point us to the evidence of God’s divine nature that radiates all around us. Come expecting to behold the glory of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, to hear refrains of the joyous song that creation sings, and to explore tangible ways we can join in that song and thus radiate God’s glory in our daily lives.

People of all ages are welcome to attend this event, which is free. It will be followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship.

Community Announcements

Annual Friendship Retreat The 7th Annual Friendship Retreat will be held Saturday, October 21. Our theme this year is "Keys of Kindness." The retreat will be held at Willmar Evangelical Free Church from 9:15am to 2:00pm. We will need kitchen help and table helpers for crafts that day, and people to make bars before then. If you can help in any way, please call Gretjen Wubben or Clara DeRonde.

Celebrate Home for the Holidays
Celebrate all the holidays with the Table Setting & Quilt Display at First Covenant Church on Saturday, October 28 from 9am -1pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at CashWise, United Way, Cub Foods, Good News Book Store, First Covenant Church, or at the door. Uniquely and beautifully decorated tables, quilts, and other seasonal items will be on display. Holiday foods and beverages will be available for your tasting experience.

Cadets
The Prinsburg Cadet Club will have their kick-off meeting on Wednesday, October 18, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Fellowship Hall in Prinsburg. All boys in grades 2-8 are invited to join us. Bring your uniforms if you have one. Questions, call Byron Tebben.

WEST CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SINGLES FALL HARVEST PARTY
Come for a great night of fun and fellowship, Friday, October 20, 2006 at 7:00 pm at the Willmar Evangelical Free Church (use north entrance). Dress in a costume (not Halloween). Bring a snack to share and your own beverage.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:25-32, 44-49 (Reader: Bev Marcus)
Message Series: Just a Closer Walk with Jesus
Message: “Open Minds and Burning Hearts: Understanding the Scriptures” (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan DeGroot

Welcome to Unity!

Thank you for gathering with us today to worship our risen Lord and King, Jesus Christ. May you be transformed today by his grace and truth.

Celebration of Communion
This morning we will again be joining together to proclaim the Lord’s death by taking the Lord’s Supper. You are invited to come forward to take the elements today. No matter what your background, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, we welcome you to come to the table in faith, looking to Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and the strengthening of your spirit.

Guest Preaching
Pastor Jeff will be preaching tonight at Raymond Christian Reformed Church. Pray for the Spirit’s blessing to the church as he proclaims the Word and ministers among them.

Fellowship Care Groups Update
Check your mailboxes today for the new Family Fellowship Care Groups.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship

Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 9-12
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey Class

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Adult Sunday School
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship

Mark Your Calendar

Youth Group Senior High Lock-In

Friday and Saturday, October 20-21

Reformation Day Worship

Sunday, October 29 at Bethany Reformed Church

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Sunday, November 5 - a night filled with food, fellowship and fun for all ages!

Unity Church Ministry Opportunities

Youth Group Parent’s Night Parents of 9th-12th graders, please

Mark Your Calendar

s. We'd like you to come Wednesday, October 25 for a special Parent's Night youth group from 6:30-9pm (Your teen should have brought you a flyer with info on it, but realistically we will get you more info as the time draws near).

Computer Help Needed
The computer projection team is looking for one more person to help run the computer during worship once a month. If you are interested please contact Chad Ulferts.

Wednesday Night Men’s Group
Our next meeting will be November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. Our goal is to have the book, Wild at Heart, read by that meeting. If you need a copy, you may get one from the church office.

Building Project Comments
The Building Expansion Team would like to hear more of your comments about the latest plan. If you would like another copy of the plan, you can pick one up at the office or print one off our website at www.unitycrc.org/building. You may also post your comments there or send an email to the team.

Adult Sunday School
Our biblical and scientific exploration will continue on October 15. Starting the following week (October 22), we will be meeting every other week. You are welcome to join this very relevant study at any time.

Fun Fellowship Opportunity
The “God Is Closer Than You Think” small group will be hosting a fellowship opportunity for anyone to attend. We will be shooting clay pigeons at 4:00pm on Sunday, October 15 at Dave and Betty Ammerman’s farm site. Shooters should take their own firearms and ammunition. The pigeons will be provided. Please have all guns unloaded and cased. After shooting, we’ll have a bonfire, with hotdogs and chips for supper. There will also be volleyball and other games available for you to play. Come for all or part of the evening. It should be great fun. If you need directions please contact the Ammermans.

Worship Grant Project
If you are involved with the worship grant project and were not at the last meeting to join a focus group, please talk to Pastor Jeff or any member of the Worship Grant team to find out what you need to do next. The contact person of each group will be organizing the first meeting for their group.

Important Ministry Opportunity
There are only 12 slots open for you to do ministry by playing for two hours! If you like to play with kids and have one Wednesday night free, we would like to give you the opportunity to help transform people’s lives by watching their children while they participate in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. This opportunity is limited to the first 12 that sign-up, so sign up today on the sheet by the serving window.

Community Announcements

Annual Friendship Retreat
The 7th Annual Friendship Retreat will be held Saturday, October 21. Our theme this year is "Keys of Kindness." The retreat will be held at Willmar Evangelical Free Church from 9:15am to 2:00pm. We will need kitchen help and table helpers for crafts that day, and people to make bars before then. If you can help in any way, please call Gretjen Wubben or Clara DeRonde.

Butter Braids
The First CRC Youth Group will be selling Butter Braids until October 14. There are order forms at Unity in the back of the sanctuary. You may fill out your order form and return it with payment to Unity CRC’s office (please make checks out to First CRC Youth Group). Feel free to share this opportunity with co-workers, family and friends so that they can enjoy Butter Braids for the holiday season, too! All orders must be in by October 14. Flavors: Cinnamon, Blueberry Cream Cheese, Cherry, Apple, Cream Cheese, Raspberry, and Caramel Rolls (9 ct). The Butter Braids will arrive on November 2 and be delivered soon after. Thank you for your support of the First CRC Youth Group!

Celebrate Home for the Holidays
Celebrate all the holidays with the Table Setting & Quilt Display at First Covenant Church on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9am -1pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at CashWise, United Way, Cub Foods, Good News Book Store, First Covenant Church, or at the door. Uniquely and beautifully decorated tables, quilts, and other seasonal items will be on display. Holiday foods and beverages will be available for your tasting experience.

Senior Citizens
The Senior Citizens will meet on Thursday, October 12 for a potluck noon meal at 11:30 at the Community Room. We will be entertained by Dan Knapper with a musical program of piano and violin. After the entertainment, we will play games and cards.
Please take:
A - L salads
M - P Desserts
R - Z Casseroles

At the October 1 Worship Grant Project Meeting we discussed the next steps for our study.

Focus Groups Assembled
Here is the list of the six focus groups with the contact person listed.
• Worship Furniture (Bev Marcus)
• Space for Music (Wilson B)
• Seating (Marly B)
• Sound, Lighting, Media, and Power (Chad U)
• Hospitality and Fellowship (Linda B)
• Visual Arts (Kerry B)

If you were not at the meeting and need to join a focus group, you may contact the person listed on the specific group or email Pastor Jeff.

Focus Group Expectations
Each Focus Group will be asked to:
• Read the specific section on your topic in Reader Packet II or III
• Meet with focus group and discuss ideas before the end of November
• Meet with the Worship Grant Core Team by mid-December
• Near the end of January, we will have each focus group present their ideas to all the focus groups

Worship Space and the Visual Arts Conference
We have tentatively set the date for our Worship Space and the Visual Arts Conference for February 16 & 17
• Potential Guest Speakers: William Dyrness, Mark Torgerson, Betsy Steele Halstead, Nicolas Wolterstorff

Highlighting the Project
We discussed the interest level of having classes on Worship Space, and decided that the most effective means of communicating about the project and gaining enthusiasm for it would be a 10-15 highlight of the project on a Sunday morning in January, before the Conference.

Visits to Churches
Once the study of worship space has begun, we will have groups of people travel to other churches to "read" their worship space.
• Some Saturday evening services or Sunday evening services, mostly in Twin Cities area - weekends in Oct, Nov, Dec
• The goal is to have each group present to all the focus groups near the end of January

Next Full Meeting
The next item for those involved in the project is reading and meeting with their specific focus groups before the end of November. We will have another meeting with everyone prior to that point to discuss as a whole group the following questions:

• Do you agree that Worship Space communicates what we believe about God, our church, and the gospel?
• Have you ever thought much about the value of worship space before?
• Is it important to have theology inform our decisions about worship space?
• Was anything you read helpful or insightful to you?
• Were there any tensions that you noticed? How will we decide on those?
• What does history teach us about the issues related to worship?
• How do you think this project will help us generate worship renewal in our church? Is there enough enthusiasm for working on this?

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-11 (Reader: Sandy Leininger)
Message Series: Just a Closer Walk with Jesus
Message: “The Power of Participating Prayer” (Pastor Steve & Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshipers: Heather Pluimer & Shannon Stoel

Welcome to Unity!

We are delighted that you are here today to worship with us. We trust that you will experience God’s loving grace during our time together, and we pray for his continued grace in each of your lives this week. Today, we are taking the opportunity to join together in celebrating God’s love, faithfulness, and goodness in the life of McKenna Ulferts and her family.

Worship Grant Project Meeting
We will meet in the sanctuary after church TODAY for about an hour to assemble the “focus groups” and work on the next steps. We are just starting our study and reflection, so anyone is welcome to join us. If you are not able to attend today, but would still like to be involved please talk to Pastor Jeff.

Christmas Program Meeting
Our first meeting to assign roles and go over this year’s Christmas program is TODAY after worship. If you would like to be involved in both the Worship Grant and the Christmas Program, please attend this meeting first.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (1st Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.
11:45am: Worship Grant Project Meeting
11:45am: Christmas Program Auditions
3:00pm: Open House Wedding Reception for John & Jenny Leininger

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
6:15pm: Elders and Deacons Meetings
7:00pm: Council Meeting
7:00pm: Friendship Class at Willmar CRC
7:30pm: Open House Baby Shower for Noah Allen Starkenburg

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
10:00am: Library Team Meeting
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 7-12 at the Rock
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey Begins!
7:00pm: Fellowship Team Meeting

Next Sunday (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship

PLEASE NOTE: There is no Sunday School or Children’s Choir next Sunday

Youth Group Lock-In
Students in grades 9-12,

Mark Your Calendar

s!! Our lock-in will be Friday, October 20 to Saturday, October 21.

Youth Group Parent’s Night
Parents of 9th-12th graders, please

Mark Your Calendar

s. We'd like you to come Wednesday, October 25 for a special Parent's Night youth group from 6:30-9pm (Your teen should have brought you a flyer with info on it, but realistically we will get you more info as the time draws near).

Open House Wedding Reception
An open house wedding reception will be held for John and Jenny Leininger today from 3 - 5pm at Unity Church.

Open House Baby Shower
Come and help us celebrate the birth of Noah Allen Starkenburg, infant son of Tim & Jayme, with an open house baby shower on Monday, October 2, at 7:30pm at Unity. Both men and women are invited!

Computer Help Needed
The computer projection team is looking for one more person to help run the computer during worship once a month. If you are interested please contact Chad Ulferts.

Wednesday Night Men’s Group
Our next meeting will be November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. Our goal is to have the book, Wild at Heart, read by that meeting. If you need a copy, you may get one from the church office.

Become Debt Free with the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University
FPU is here again! Ben Taatjes, a local financial advisor, is leading the 13-week course which features the teaching of Dave Ramsey. The class begins Wednesday, October 4 and will be held at Unity. There is still time to join this class. Please contact Ben Taatjes, call the church office, or go online to www.unitycrc.org/fpu for more information. Childcare will be provided for those who request it.

Fun Fellowship Opportunity
The “God Is Closer Than You Think” small group will be hosting a fellowship opportunity for anyone to attend. We will be shooting clay pigeons at 4:00pm on Sunday, October 15 at Dave and Betty Ammerman’s farm site. Shooters should take their own firearms and ammunition. The pigeons will be provided. Please have all guns unloaded and cased. After shooting, we’ll have a bonfire, with hotdogs and chips for supper. There will also be volleyball and other games available for you to play. Come for all or part of the evening. It should be great fun. If you need directions please contact the Ammermans.

Adult Sunday School
Our biblical and scientific exploration of the universe began this morning. Our next class will be October 15. Starting the following week (October 22), we will be meeting every other week. You are welcome to join this very relevant study at any time.

Community Announcements

Pillow Cleaning Day The Clara City Jaycees are sponsoring a pillow cleaning on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 7am to noon at the City Hall in Clara City. Start your fall cleaning with light fluffy pillows. Anyone in the area who would like to have their feather pillows redone or purchase new ones is invited. Your pillows will be freed of all dust, have their feathers cleaned of all germ-producing bacteria, and be put into a colorful new ticking of your choice. Each pillow is individually cleaned and never mixed with other pillows. New pillows and comforters will be on display for sale.

Annual Friendship Retreat
The 7th Annual Friendship Retreat will be held Saturday, October 21. Our theme this year is "Keys of Kindness". The retreat will be held at Willmar Evangelical Free Church from 9:15- 2:00pm. We will need kitchen help, table helpers for the crafts, and people willing to make bars. If you could help in any way, please call Helene Dykstra or Clara DeRonde.

Friendship Class
Friendship Class meets this Monday, October 2 at 7:00pm at the Christian Reformed Church Willmar. We will be studying Unit 6, Lesson 1. Laura and Gretjen are in charge of lunch.

Celebrate Home for the Holidays
Celebrate all the holidays with the Table Setting & Quilt Display at First Covenant Church on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 am -1 pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at United Way, Cashwise, Cub Foods, Good News Book Store, First Covenant Church, or at the door. Uniquely and beautifully decorated tables, quilts, and other seasonal items will be on display. Holiday foods and beverages will be available for your tasting experience.

Thank You from GEMS
Thank you to all of you who have supported the Prinsburg GEMS with your generous giving to the Willmar Area Food Shelf and to our Papa Murphy’s Fundraiser. These were both a great encouragement to us. Thank you for blessing us so we can be a blessing to those around us. GEMS, Counselors, and Board.

Butter Braids
The First CRC Youth Group will be selling Butter Braids starting October 2, until October 14. There are order forms in the back of church. You may fill out your order form and return with payment to Unity CRC’s office(please make checks out to First CRC Youth Group). Feel free to share this opportunity with co-workers, family and friends so that they can enjoy Butter Braids for the holiday season, too! All orders must be in by October 14. Flavors: Cinnamon, Blueberry Cream Cheese, Cherry, Apple, Cream Cheese, Raspberry, and Caramel Rolls (9 ct). The Butter Braids will arrive on November 2 and be delivered shortly thereafter. Thank you for your support of our Youth Group!