January 2007 Archives

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15 (Scripture Reader: Chuck Miedema)

Message: "Generous on All Occasions" (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

WELCOME TO UNITY CHURCH!

We are delighted that you are here. Our desire in this place is to experience an authentic encounter with God. This may happen in different ways for each of us as God touches our hearts and lives in unique ways. Our prayer is that you would sense the presence of God today and be blessed as you worship Him.

Potluck TODAY

Care group 3 has their potluck today after the worship service. Guest’s we would love it if you would stay and share this meal with us.

“If These Walls Could Talk…”
You are invited to the 2007 Worship Conference on February 17 at Unity Church funded by a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship through the support of Lilly Endowment, Inc. The theme of the conference is understanding what a church communicates about God and the gospel through its architecture, space, and the arts. More information is available as a booklet in the office or online at www.unitycrc.org/conference.

Unity Family Cares and Concerns

Baby Congratulations

Congratulations to Jeff & Wendy Fisher in the birth of a beautiful healthy baby boy, Trey Jeffrey. Trey was born this past Tuesday at 5:19pm weighing in at 9 lbs 4oz and 23 inches long.

Help Kids Praise the Lord!

How about starting your Sunday worship a little earlier? We are currently looking for someone to be a co-director for our Children's Choir. Choirs meet from 8:45-9:15 and 9:30-9:55 on Sunday mornings and are a joy-filled time! Please let Wendy Fisher know if you are interested in serving in this way.

Valentine’s Day “Senior Prom”

The youth group is hosting a “Senior Prom” on Valentine’s Day evening for all those in our congregations who have reached the wise age of 60 years and their spouses or a friend. You should find in your church mailbox today an invitation to this event with more details. If you fit the bill (or are close to 60 and really want to come) but for some reason didn’t find an invitation in your mail box please don’t be shy about contacting Kirk Vander Pol (Unity) or Renae Kleinhuizen (Willmar). We are planning a meal, entertainment, and interaction. Punch and hors’dourves will start at 5 p.m., and the meal and “program” will be from 5:30 to 7:30.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church 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

Wednesday:
7:00pm: CADETS at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-12)
7:00pm: Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Men’s Wild at Heart - at Hoekstra’s, Chapter 6

Thursday:
8:00pm: Gospel Class

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Gospel Class
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

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Day Of Encouragement, 2007

Plan now to attend the third annual Day of Encouragement at Dordt College on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This day is not only geared for church leaders, but for anyone who wishes to develop their gifts as church members. The keynote speaker is Scott Hoezee from the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary. Breakout sessions will be led by folks like John Suk, Rev. Louis Tamminga, as well as Dordt Faculty and other specialists in a variety of ministries. There are sessions for ministry basics for council member, seminars aimed at spirituality and leadership with topics like family devotions and how to “hear” God’s voice, plus seminars on outreach and service including CRWRC involvement and how to be relevant in today’s culture. Come a day early and take advantage of a full day workshop, charting your course which helps you explore where God has led you and may be leading you in the future. There are discounts for group registrations. Deadline for registration is January 30.

Soup Supper

The annual Emden Christian Reformed Church Soup Supper will be held on Wednesday, January 31, serving from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Free-will donation. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a good meal and the fellowship.

Senior Citizens

We will be meeting a the community center Wednesday, February 21 at 11:30 for a potluck dinner and games. A - L: Please bring a casserole M - S: Please bring a salad T - Z: Please bring a dessert

Winter Blahs? - Lets take a tour

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SENIOR CITIZEN TO JOIN US ON THESE TOURS! On Wednesday, March 14, 2007 we hope to attend the line play “The Orphan Train” at the Minneapolis Children's Theater. This is the story of the 1930’s during the depression where children were sent on trains to find new homes. After the production we would travel to Owatonna to see the Orphanage museum and hear its stories. Saturday, April 14, 2007 we hope to take a bus to the Gospel Quartet convention in Minneapolis. Family groups and quartets entertain us all day. Its great continuous gospel music. Please call Ardy Zondervan for more details or to sign for these two tours. She needs to know soon.

He’s Alive! A Triumphant Celebration of Easter

The First Reformed Church of Willmar would like to invite any member of Unity CRC, First CRC, Bunde CRC, Bethany Reformed and Willmar CRC to sing with them for an Easter Contada to be performed on April 1st, Palm Sunday evening at 7:00pm. The contada is titled He’s Alive! A triumphant Celebration of Easter. Practice started on Tuesday, January 23, but you are welcome to come and join us. Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Please let Becky Lippert know how many people will be singing.

Free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound

Hope Pregnancy Center offers free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound to qualified Clients. Three Registered Nurses have completed didactic and hands on training for Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound. To comply with recommended national standards, they should perform a number of ultrasounds under the observation of a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) to attain recertification. If you are in the 1st or early 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or know someone who is, and would be willing to volunteer for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound during this recertification, please call Hope Pregnancy Center to have your name put on a list. A follow up call will be made to answer any questions and to schedule an appointment. We appreciate your partnering with us in this ministry opportunity as we assist those we serve in making a well-informed decision about their pregnancy.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-14; 22-26 (Scripture Reader: Wendell Bonnema)
Message: "The Great City of Nations" (Pastor Steve)
Prayer: Adoptive Families
Flag Carriers: Sr. High Youth
Offering: Unity Ministries
Ministry of Music: Mr. Richard Yague
Lead Worshiper: Mr. Gar Jasper

WELCOME TO UNITY CHURCH!

“God, may you be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy…” Psalm 67

This morning we celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ going out to the ends of the earth! Today's Global Missions Sunday will focus particularly on the seven locations supported through Unity. This morning's message will be reminding us that God's heart is to gather the nations together, under the banner of Jesus Christ. May this be our banner and our mission as well!

A special welcome to our guest soloist this morning, Mr. Richard Yague! Thank you for your willingness to minister to us through the gifts God has given you!

Unity Family Cares and Concerns

We express our love to the family of Laura Mulder, who fought valiantly against cancer yet went to be with the Lord last Sunday. Her celebration of life service was this past Thursday. Our love goes out to Mike & Bev Mulder and their children, Steve & Joey Mulder and their family, to Laura's nieces April (Hillenbrand) & Trapper Swierenga, and Heidi (Hillenbrand) & Jeremy Borstad, and Amber Hillenbrand.

We also extend our love and support to the family of Gladys Groen, who finished her earthly race, attaining her heavenly prize this past Monday, and who's celebration of life service took place this past Friday. Our love goes out to Larry & Pat Groen and their children, and Sue (Groen) & Bryan De Groot and their children, as well as Gladys' extended family in our community.

May both of these families know and experience the powerful comfort and peace that comes through our gracious and compassionate God!

Monthly Potluck, Care Group 3

Reminder Fellowship Care Group 3 will have a potluck for their group on Sunday, January 28th after church service. Visitors are invited to come and share a meal with us!

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church 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
7:00pm: Friendship Class at Willmar CRC ~ Lesson 2

Wednesday:
7:00pm: GEMS at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (9-12)at Rock on 8th
7:00pm: Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Men’s Wild at Heart at Hoekstra’s, Chapter 5

Thursday:
8:00pm: Gospel Class

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):
8:45am: Gospel Class
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
10:00am: Morning Worship
[Note: No Children's Choir]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Worship Conference - February 16-17

Gospel Class
Next Thursday and Sunday, we will ask the question, “How do we know God exits - and that it is the Christian God?” This is your opportunity to engage in the first four week session on various topics of the Christian faith. The same class will be offered Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays at 8:45am. For the entire preliminary schedule of classes, visit www.unitycrc.org/adulted/ online.

“If These Walls Could Talk…”
You are invited to the 2007 Worship Conference on February 17 at Unity Church funded by a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship through the support of Lilly Endowment, Inc. The theme of the conference is understanding what a church communicates about God and the gospel through its architecture, space, and the arts. More information is available as a booklet in the office or online at www.unitycrc.org/conference.

Building and Grounds Team

The Building & Grounds Team is in need of your input. Notes have been placed in your boxes if you were on the church records as being willing to help in certain areas. Please respond to the notes as requested. If you did not get a note and would like to help in some form or fashion with the facility/grounds care and maintenance please contact Kirk Vander Pol. Also, if you have any historical information about who has done what, or how things have typically been done that you feel it is important for the team to know, again, please contact Kirk.

Valentine’s Day “Senior Prom”

The youth group is hosting a “Senior Prom” on Valentine’s Day evening for all those in our congregations who have reached the wise age of 60 years and their spouses or a friend. You should find in your church mailbox today an invitation to this event with more details. If you fit the bill (or are close to 60 and really want to come) but for some reason didn’t find an invitation in your mail box please don’t be shy about contacting Kirk Vander Pol (Unity) or Renae Kleinhuizen ( Willmar ). We are planning a meal, entertainment, and interaction. Punch and hors’dourves will start at 5 p.m., and the meal and “program” will be from 5:30 to 7:30.

Missing Ladder

The church ladder has been missing for about a year now. The one that was left in its place is quite a bit older. If you accidentally took the ladder, please bring it back as soon as possible. Thank you so much!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Day Of Encouragement, 2007

Plan now to attend the third annual Day of Encouragement at Dordt College on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This day is not only geared for church leaders, but for anyone who wishes to develop their gifts as church members. The keynote speaker is Scott Hoezee from the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary. Breakout sessions will be led by folks like John Suk, Rev. Louis Tamminga, as well as Dordt Faculty and other specialists in a variety of ministries. There are sessions for ministry basics for council member, seminars aimed at spirituality and leadership with topics like family devotions and how to “hear” God’s voice, plus seminars on outreach and service including CRWRC involvement and how to be relevant in today’s culture. Come a day early and take advantage of a full day workshop, charting your course which helps you explore where God has led you and may be leading you in the future. There are discounts for group registrations. Deadline for registration is January 30.

Free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound

Hope Pregnancy Center offers free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound to qualified Clients. Three Registered Nurses have completed didactic and hands on training for Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound. To comply with recommended national standards, they should perform a number of ultrasounds under the observation of a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) to attain recertification. If you are in the 1st or early 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or know someone who is, and would be willing to volunteer for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound during this recertification, please call Hope Pregnancy Center to have your name put on a list. A follow up call will be made to answer any questions and to schedule an appointment. We appreciate your partnering with us in this ministry opportunity as we assist those we serve in making a well-informed decision about their pregnancy.

Ready, Set, Grow

Friday, January 26 - "Ready, Set, Grow" Seminar at the Willmar Christian Reformed Church at 7 PM. This is a power point presentation by Pastor Don Muilenberg, Congregational Life Pastor for Bridgewood Church in Savage, Minn. Topic addressed will be preparing for church growth. Everyone welcome.

Soup Supper

The annual Emden Christian Reformed Church Soup Supper will be held on Wednesday, January 31, serving from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Menu is homemade soup, crackers, bread, dessert and beverage. Free-will donation. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a good meal and the fellowship.

Annual Volleyball Tournament

On Saturday, January 27th 2007 Bethany Christian Services will hold its 9th annual volleyball tournaments at the Central Minnesota Christian School gyms from 8:30am to 4:00pm. If you have not registered a team but would like to, please call Jill Blom or if you would like a registration form, please call Bethany Christian Services at 796-553-0344 or 1-866-321-1964 for availability. There are other ways you can help. We invite you to come and cheer on our teams. Call for more information. We look forward to a day of fun, fellowship and great volleyball.

Volleyball Volunteers Needed

Bethany Christian Services’ annual volleyball tournament is coming soon on Saturday, January 27th. We could use your help to make this a successful event to support Bethany’s services in our area. If you are able to make bars and/or work in the kitchen the day of the event, please contact Christy Groen.

If you have someone you would like to include (with their permission) as part of our prayer corner, please contact one of the pastors or the church office.

Morning Worship

Scripture Readings: 2 Chronicles 2:1, 4-5; Acts 7:44-50, 17:24-25
(Scripture Reader: Terri Zondervan)
Message: “Can a Building Do That?” (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

WELCOME TO UNITY CHURCH! “One thing I ask of the LORD, that is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

Next Sunday we will be focusing on the ministry of our missionaries all over the world. Each week, about 20% of our offerings go toward the Missions & Outreach budget. If you would like your offering next week (or any week) to go toward the support of our missionaries, you may indicate that on your check.

Free Food Samples

No - not at Sam’s Club but at Unity CRC next week! The fellowship and missions teams are combining forces to provide you with samples of recipes used by our missionaries in 6 different countries all over the world.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church 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

Wednesday:
6:30pm: Cadets Fun Night at CMCS Elementary School Gym
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-12) at Rock on 8th
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey Class
7:00pm: Ladies Bible Study
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Men’s Wild at Heart - at Hoekstra’s, Chapter 4

Thursday:
8:00pm: Gospel Class

Friday:
8:30pm: GEMS Sleepover

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Gospel Class
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 ~Global Missions Emphasis

“If These Walls Could Talk…”

You are invited to the 2007 Worship Conference on February 17 at Unity Church. The focus of the conference is on understanding and applying what a church communicates about God and the gospel through its architecture, space, and the arts. This event is funded by a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship through the support of Lilly Endowment, Inc. The cost is only $10 and includes a provided lunch and a free book. Registration begins at 8:30.

Gospel Class

Beginning this Thursday at 8:00pm, you will have the opportunity to engage in three to five week sessions on various topics of the Christian faith. The same class will be offered on Sundays at 8:45am. This first session is a four week study about God. For the entire preliminary schedule of classes, go to www.unitycrc.org/adulted on the web.

Monthly Potluck, Care Group 3

We will have a potluck at the church after the service for our care group on Sunday, January 28th. Each family from care group 3 will receive a post card this week informing you of what to bring. If you have questions please call Natalie Vander Beek.

Cadets

The Cadets will have a fun night on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30PM in the CMCS Elementary gym. All fathers are invited to join us.

GEMS Sleep Over

Friday, January 19 at 8:30pm or after girls BB game until Saturday morning. Parents please pick up your daughters from the Fellowship Hall at 7:30 AM! Girls bring sleeping bags, pillows and Teddy Bears if necessary!

Angel Tree Thank you!

Thanks to all who participated in the Angel Tree Project this Christmas. Many children and their parents were blessed by it. The names of the 75 children were snatched up by Unity families unbelievably fast. Several families asked a week too late when no names were left! Contacting the caregivers proved to be the most challenging part of the project. Many had changed phone numbers and/or addresses. In the end, 65 gifts were delivered (some just this past week.) The remaining 10 children are in three homes. One family chose not to receive the gifts. We are still trying to track down the other two families who moved. We have promising leads in both cases. The youth group bought 5 and delivered 21 of the gifts. Thanks to the youth group and especially to their leaders for all their work on this project. Many caregivers and children have expressed their deep gratitude for the gifts and for the love behind them. Several asked that we convey our thanks and best wishes to the whole church. We hope that you were blessed by giving them as well. Thanks again!

Thank You for Your Prayers

We praise and thank the Lord for helping Dawn throughout her hospital stay and illness. With all of our hearts we thank each of you who had a part in her healing process through your thoughts, prayers, phone calls, cards and visits. The only way to get through these difficult times is through the love and support of the body of Christ. Thanks again! Chris & Dawn Serward and Delroy & Freida Ledeboer

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Day Of Encouragement, 2007

Plan now to attend the third annual Day of Encouragement at Dordt College on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This day is not only geared for church leaders, but for anyone who wishes to develop their gifts as church members. The keynote speaker is Scott Hoezee from the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary. Breakout sessions will be led by folks like John Suk, Rev. Louis Tamminga, as well as Dordt Faculty and other specialists in a variety of ministries. There are sessions for ministry basics for council member, seminars aimed at spirituality and leadership with topics like family devotions and how to “hear” God’s voice, plus seminars on outreach and service including CRWRC involvement and how to be relevant in today’s culture. Come a day early and take advantage of a full day workshop, charting your course which helps you explore where God has led you and may be leading you in the future. There are discounts for group registrations. Deadline for registration is January 30.

Dordt College Concert Choir

The Dordt College Concert Choir form Sioux Center Iowa will present a concert on January, 14, at the First Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg at 7:00 p.m. The program will include a wide range of music, including classical repertoire, contemporary music from Norway, Australia, and Italy; and folk music form Canada and Kenya. A free will offering will be received to help defray tour expenses.

Internet Safety Program

On Monday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the CMCS High School music room, Kris Eckstein, computer specialist from St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye, will present a program for parents and other interested adults on the topic of Internet Safety for Families. She will teach adults strategies for setting safe limits and monitoring their children’s computer use. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Childcare will be provided for those who call the school to register their children by Fri. January 12th. Refreshments will be served.

Kris will meet with 5th-12th grade students earlier in the day to inform them of the dangers of online predators, identity theft, scams, cyber-bullying, and potential problems with social networks such as MySpace and Facebook.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:1-5, 11-14 (Scripture Reader: Willis Wubben)
Message: "Worship through the Eyes of Faith" (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Jason VerSteeg

WELCOME TO UNITY CHURCH!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalms 100: 4 - 5.

Congregational Meeting

Please plan to stay in the sanctuary after the morning service today for a discussion of our revised building plan. Coffee and cookies will be served in the sanctuary and childcare provided by our young people. Our architect, Tom Johnson, will offer a walk-through presentation and will answer questions. We trust this will be an informative and exciting time as we move forward!

Ladies Jail Ministry

Our ministry to the female inmates at the jail has been discontinued for the near future. If you are interested in resuming this ministry please see Wendy Fisher.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar
Today (1st Sunday):
Happy New Year 2007!
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.
Congregational Meeting Following Worship

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
6:15pm: Deacons Meeting
6:15pm: Elders Meeting
7:00pm: Full Council Meeting
7:00pm: Friendship Class, Willmar CRC

Tuesday:
6:00pm: Prison Volunteer Training

Wednesday:
6:45pm: Youth Group at Unity
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Friday:
7:30pm: Baby Shower for Jeff & Wendy

Next Sunday (2nd Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Building Expansion Meeting - Anyone Invited
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

January 21 Global Missions Emphasis Sunday
February 16-17 Worship Conference

Life at Unity

Sunday School

Sunday School resumed today! Our schedule for second semester is posted in the Fellowship Hall. We will not have Sunday School or Children's Church on Easter Sunday, but we will have classes other weekends when CMCS is off.

Open House Baby Shower

You are invited to an open house baby shower for Jeff & Wendy Fisher’s baby-to-be Friday, January 12th at 7:30pm here at Unity. They are registered at Target and Babies R Us. Both Men and Women are invited to attend.

Ladies Bibles Study

We will resume Tuesday, January 9th at 9:30am. Bring your Daniel study and review the exam at the end of the book. We will study Amos 1 & 2 along with Be Concerned by Warren Wiersbe as our study guide. Look forward to a new year with the minor prophets.

Solid Rock Youth Group

Solid Rock YG will be meeting at Unity CRC in Prinsburg this Wednesday, January 10th. Trinity Christian College ( Palos Heights , IL ) praise team will be here and various area church youth groups are meeting together for a night of praise. All youth are welcome, we will start at 7 p.m., so try to be there by 6:45p.m.

Wedding Congratulations

Congratulations to Corey & Renae (Post) Van Stelten who were married yesterday here in our church. May God richly bless your marriage as you begin this new journey together.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

West Central Christian Singles Pizza Night!

Come join us for a pizza night at Jake's Pizza (316 W. Litchfield Ave. - Willmar) on Friday, January 12 @ 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there! For more information or questions, send email to wccs.willmar@yahoo.com.

Day Of Encouragement 2007

Plan now to attend the third annual Day of Encouragement at Dordt College on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This day is not only geared for church leaders, but for anyone who wishes to develop their gifts as church members. The keynote speaker is Scott Hoezee from the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary. Breakout sessions will be led by folks like John Suk, Rev. Louis Tamminga, as well as Dordt Faculty and other specialists in a variety of ministries. There are sessions for ministry basics for council member, seminars aimed at spirituality and leadership with topics like family devotions and how to “hear” God’s voice, plus seminars on outreach and service including CRWRC involvement and how to be relevant in today’s culture. Come a day early and take advantage of a full day workshop, charting your course which helps you explore where God has led you and may be leading you in the future. There are discounts for group registrations. Deadline for registration is January 30.

Internet Safety Program

On Monday, January 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the CMCS High School music room, Kris Eckstein, computer specialist from St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye, will present a program for parents and other interested adults on the topic of Internet Safety for Families. She will teach adults strategies for setting safe limits and monitoring their children’s computer use. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Childcare will be provided for those who call the school to register their children by Fri. January 12th. Refreshments will be served.

Kris will meet with 5th-12th grade students earlier in the day to inform them of the dangers of online predators, identity theft, scams, cyber-bullying, and potential problems with social networks such as MySpace and Facebook.

Dordt College Concert Choir

The Dordt College Concert Choir form Sioux Center Iowa will present a concert on January, 14, at the First Christian Reformed Church of Prinsburg at 7:00 p.m. The program will include a wide range of music, including classical repertoire, contemporary music from Norway, Australia, and Italy; and folk music form Canada and Kenya. A free will offering will be received to help defray tour expenses.

Bunde Open House

You are invited to come to Bunde’s Open house Today Sunday, January 7. There will be Tour’s from 2:00pm - 5:00pm. You are invited to stay for our Praise service at 5:00pm. Following that there will be a light lunch as well as more tours.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: II Timothy 1:1-14
(Scripture Reader: Christina Vander Pol)
Message: Secure For Life (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Love Fund
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot and the Praise Team

WELCOME TO UNITY CHURCH!

Christ has brought us through another year and today we mark His faithfulness and provision for us. Come and celebrate today the great things the Lord had done!

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.

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.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (5th Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children’s Church for 3-preK
4:00pm: Old Year’s Service at Willmar CRC

Monday: New Years Day
Office Closed

Wednesday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning meeting
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group 7th - 12th

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
Happy New Year 2007!
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:00am: Missions Prayer Time
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

January 7 Building Project Update - Congregational Meeting Immediately after Worship

January 21 Global Missions Emphasis Sunday

February 16-17 Worship Conference - "If These Walls Could Talk..."

Baby Shower
Open House Baby Shower for Jeff & Wendy Fisher’s baby-to-be on Friday, January 12 at 7:30pm. Men and women invited. They are registered at Target and Babies 'R Us.

Life at Unity

Prison Volunteer Training

Training for anyone interested in volunteering at St. Cloud Prison - Tuesday, January 9 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm in St. Cloud.

Do you have a desire to teach young children?

Unity is looking for more people that are willing to teach Children's church this Spring and Summer. This is a wonderful opportunity for those of you that desire to work with young children and are blessed by what you have seen in our children's church program. You would just need to commit to one month of teaching. Team teaching is also encouraged. Maybe you have already taught one month this year and would be willing to teach another. We have the months of April through August available to fill with teachers. Please prayerfully consider this wonderful opportunity. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. Contact Tracy Borstad if you are willing to serve in this way.

Old Year’s Service - Youth Group

Solid Rock Youth Group will be leading the Old Year’s Service TONIGHT at 4pm at Willmar CRC. Everyone is invited to come to this time of worship, and all students in 7-12 grades are strongly encouraged to come and to invite friends!

To Unity Church

Thank you for all of the Christmas cards that you sent. They were a real blessing to us. Thank for praying for us this year. It has been a tough a year and a year of transition for us a church and a family. Thank you for your financial support in 2006. May the true meaning of Christmas be in each heart as you celebrate His birthday this week. In Christ's service ~ John J. van Drongelen, Red River Christian Fellowship

Want to travel?

The Missions and Outreach Team is considering using some or all of the funds that had been designated to support BTG-USA to partially fund a missions trip this spring to visit either John & Lori Ingles in Turkey or Eric & Mandi Peterson in Brazil. If you are interested in this potential opportunity, please contact Pastor Jeff or Sarah Brouwer.

Day Of Encouragement 2007

Plan now to attend the third annual Day of Encouragement at Dordt College on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This day is not only geared for church leaders, but for anyone who wishes to develop their gifts as church members. The keynote speaker is Scott Hoezee from the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary. Breakout sessions will be led by folks like John Suk, Rev. Louis Tamminga, as well as Dordt Faculty and other specialists in a variety of ministries. There are sessions for ministry basics for council member, seminars aimed at spirituality and leadership with topics like family devotions and how to “hear” God’s voice, plus seminars on outreach and service including CRWRC involvement and how to be relevant in today’s culture. Come a day early and take advantage of a full day workshop, charting your course which helps you explore where God has led you and may be leading you in the future. There are discounts for group registrations. Deadline for registration is January 30.

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We would like to take this opportunity to invite you and others from your church to our 2007 Worship Conference, “If These Walls Could Talk…” being held on February 17. The conference is funded by a grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship through the generous support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. One of the exciting aspects of receiving a grant like this is that it means we are able to bring in nationally-recognized speakers while still keeping the registration costs low. Our conference this year will focus on the spaces in which we worship and how to use them as effective ministry tools.

We know that, like us, you receive many conference invitations in the mail and that your time is heavily scheduled and precious. So why should you take a Saturday in February and spend it at this conference?

For us it came down to our inability to answer questions like these:
• Who does your worship space say that you are as a community? Does the space properly communicate your identity and values?
• What does your worship space say about where you are going as a church in response to the call of God? Does the space properly communicate your mission and vision?
• What does your worship space teach about God—even before anyone says a word?
• Why are the symbols and decorations you have in your space there? What do they mean to both newcomers and faithful attenders?
• And… are there fresh and creative ways to do any of these things better?

The worship space of a church not only reflects the ways we worship as Christians, but it also shapes the ways we worship or, unfortunately in some cases, misshapes the way we worship. As part of our project, we have traveled to different churches to see and “read” their worship spaces. Sometimes our worship spaces send mixed or unintended messages simply because we don’t take the time to consider what these walls say to the person walking through the door.

Corporate worship can take place anywhere that Christians choose to assemble. But inevitably there is a setting that is chosen and returned to on a regular basis. So if we are going to have buildings and walls (and the expenses that go with them), shouldn’t we do all we can to use them for the glory of God? Shouldn’t we seek to develop a space that speaks of a God who is both transcendent over us and immanent among us?

The goal of this conference is to help us do that more effectively. We hope that you will join us!