Scripture Reading: Psalm 67

Message: “Praying God-Centered Global Prayers” - Pastor Jeff Fisher

Offering: Unity Ministries

Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot 

Welcome to Unity Church!

Just like Christmas and Easter, Pentecost marks a significant event in the history of the world. The feast was originally 50 days after the beginning of Passover and celebrated the start of harvest.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Pentecost took on a new meaning as the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on God’s people and launched the mission of the Church to reach the whole world for Jesus. 

This is also why Pentecost has recently been designated as the Global Day of Prayer. Christians around the world today are asking for the blessing of the Spirit to continue his work in bringing Jesus to all peoples. We are joining in the global activity of God this morning by chatting live with one of our missionary families, celebrating Communion as Christ’s body, and centering our attention in our prayers and in our message on God’s blessing to all peoples and nations.

Sunday 5/11/08

10:00am: Morning Worship and Children’s church for children ages 3-preK and K- 1

11:15am: Groundbreaking Ceremony

Monday:

4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday:

5:00pm: Spaghetti Supper hosted by Solid Rock Youth Ministries

7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

9:00pm: Worship Team Practice

Friday - Saturday

Solid Rock Youth Ministries Girls Retreat

Sunday May 18

9:00am: Sunday School, 2nd - 12th grade

10:00am: Worship and Selection and Installation of New Council Members

Unity Church Announcements 

At the end of the service this morning, you are invited to grab your shovel and head outside to join us in the celebration of God’s provision for our church through the expansion of our building.

Our Love & Sympathy

Our love, prayers and sympathy go out to Trapper & April Swierenga & family in the loss of their mom & grandmother, Mary Kay Swierenga. Mary Kay went to be with her Lord  & Savior on Saturday, May 3rd after her courageous fight with MS. The funeral was this past Wednesday at First CRC in Prinsburg.

A Sincere Thank you! 

A unique opportunity has been given to us for many years to experience God's love through his people. You have been such a blessing to us for 27 years with an MS struggle and it has been shown again so beautifully in this past week.  We want to say thank you for all your prayers, visits, cards, food, flowers and kitchen help both now and in the past.

Mary Kay loved this community and its many friends and we pray that her life was a reflection of God's love.  She voiced her concern several times of her purpose in life and we pray that her soft submission to God's will in her life will be a lasting testament of God's grace for all of you!

Love from all of us,

Stan, Trapper, April, Isaac, Tanner, Carter and the rest of the family.

Selection of New Council Members

Next Sunday as part of our worship, we will be selecting and installing our new Council members. Those selected by lot will serve for the next three years.  We are filling two elder positions and one deacon position. Those nominated for elder are Lee Duininck, Phil Erffmeyer, Larry Groen, and Wendy Ulferts.  Those nominated for Deacon are Steve Blom and Darrel Frikke.  We offer our thanks to those who are completing their terms as office bearers: Wilson Brouwer, Jeff Poppema, and Wendell Bonnema. And we give thanks to God for his provision of leadership in this church.

Spaghetti Supper

Please come support Solid Rock Youth Ministries THIS Wednesday, May 14 from 5-7pm as they host a free-will donation Spaghetti Supper at Unity. There will also be a silent auction on labor and services provided by the youth (grunt work, baby sitting, window washing, house cleaning, yard work, etc.). All these things can be purchased as gifts to give to others as well.  All money collected will be used to help fund the local and Wisconsin missions trips we have planned for this summer, as well as other youth group expenses.  Please join us for this time of community fellowship. [Note to Parents: please have your 9x13 dessert or 2 pies at the church by 5pm. Thanks!]

Solid Rock Girls Retreat

Solid Rock Junior & Senior high school girls and their parents—please note that an overnight retreat is planned for you Friday evening through Saturday,  May 16 and 17.

LOCAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

Tuesday evening, August 5th, Willmar CRC in conjunction with Solid Rock Youth will be hosting a community outreach carnival and we are looking for help.  This will be a free family orientated event designed specifically to attract people to Christ via the body of Christ living out love for the community.  In the past this event has drawn others into fellowship both at the church and with the children’s programs.  Willmar CRC desires to partner with Unity on this event and welcomes Unity members to participate fully in the planning and implementing of this    carnival. Please contact Kirk Vander Pol  kirkvanderpol@gmail.com  if you would like to be a part of this exciting outreach.

Lake Home Owners

Solid Rock is willing to come and put your dock in this spring.  We will have a sign-up sheet for anyone interested at our Spaghetti Supper on May 14. Once we know who is interested we will work out a schedule to get them in, and do our best to have them done before   Memorial Day.  We have no set cost for this service, you decide what it’s worth.

Community Announcements

Victory in Christ

On Saturday, May 31st at Bunde CRC is Victory Day, a day of celebrating our Victory in Christ. This day will consist of a worship service starting at 9:00am and a motorcycle ride to follow in memory of all those who have gone to be with the Lord, and to remember Mike Meyer, who has the Victory and liked to ride his Victory Motorcycle.  All who have lost loved one and would like to remember them by celebrating God’s wondrous grace to us are invited. There will be an opportunity to remember them specifically in this service.  Jerry Van Someren is our guest speaker that evening. There will also be a pork dinner that evening to support the Mike Meyer family from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Everyone is invited. If you have any questions please contact Bunde CRC at 320-847-3520.

Senior Class Service Project

Need your lawn raked? Windows washed? Any other odd jobs to be done? The senior class of CMCS will be doing a class service project on Wednesday, May 14. If you would like help from the class, please contact Randy Groen or Scott Buteyn (978-8700).

Join the Race

Do something to help fight the pandemic of AIDS.   www.jointherace.org

Hooray! Let’s go on a hike

We are going on a VBS Friendship Trek, June 9-13. Any hiker who has completed Preschool - 6th grade is welcome to join us, in discovering Jesus our Forever Friend. We will be hiking through trails as we learn how Jesus is a friend who will love, care, and share with us no matter what.  Sign up sheets and registration forms are on the table in the back of church. If you have any questions call Lisa Jarveis or Darla Ryks.  Sign up your kids for VBS today for a fun hiking adventure!

Dordt Discovery Days

The registration deadline is approaching! Sign up now for Dordt Discovery Days, June 23-27 on the campus of Dordt College. This is a five-day hands-on learning camp for 6th-8th graders which provides middle school students an opportunity to explore new interests; dive deeper into familiar ones; meet new friends from a variety of places and backgrounds; and learn together for 5 days on a college campus in Christian community.  Check out   www.dordt.edu/events/ddd/  for complete class listings and to register.  For more information contact Dianne De Wit at 712-722-6029 or by email at ddewit@dordt.edu.

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens will meet at the community center Thursday, May 15th at 11:30am.  We will be entertained by the first graders & the Jr. High girls.

A - K: Salads

L - P: Desserts

R - Z: Casseroles

Welcome to Unity Church!  Thank you for joining us this day in worship.  We come to this place each week to give honor and praise to the One who has shown us himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  May we experience the love and joy we find in Jesus.

At the conclusion of our worship time, there will be prayer ministers available to pray with anyone who would like prayer.

Sunday 5/4/08

10:00am: Morning Worship and Children’s church for children ages 3-preK and K- 1

Monday:

4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:

No Ladies Bible Study until further notice

Wednesday:

7:00pm: Youth Group (9th- 12th) at the Rock on 8th

7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

9:00pm: Worship Team Practice

Saturday:

10:00am: Ladies Spring Tea

Sunday May 11

9:00am: Sunday School, 2nd - 12th grade

10:00am: Worship

11:15am: Ground-Breaking Ceremony

UNITY Announcements

Ground-Breaking

The ground-breaking ceremony will be at the end of the worship service next Sunday, May 11.  Please join us for this time of celebrating God’s provision for our church.  You are invited to bring your own shovel (of any size) to church on Sunday so you (and your kids) can participate in the ceremony.

Global Day of Prayer

To celebrate Pentecost next week, we are emphasizing global prayer to seek the blessing of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out to launch the mission of the Church, to reach the whole world for Jesus.

Thank you

Thank you for the prayers, thoughts & concerns during my surgery & recuperation. We really appreciated the cards, visits & flowers. Things are getting better. Thanks again.

Shirley & Wendell Bonnema

SRYG ~ Girls Retreat

Solid Rock Junior & Senior high school girls and their parents—an overnight retreat is planned for Friday evening through Saturday, May 16 and 17.

Spaghetti Supper

Please support the youth as they host a free will donation spaghetti supper on Wednesday, May 14 from 5-7pm at Unity. There will also be a silent auction on labor and services provided by the youth (grunt work, house cleaning, yard work, etc.). All money collected will be used to help fund the local and Wisconsin mission trips we have planned for this summer as well as other youth group expenses.  Please join us for this time of community fellowship.

SRYG Parents

Each family is asked to provide a 9x13 dessert or 2 pies for the spaghetti supper fund raiser on May 14.  Please have them at Unity Church by 5pm.

Lake Home Owners

Solid Rock is willing to come and put your dock in this spring.  We will have a sign-up sheet at our spaghetti supper on May 14th.  Once we know who is interested we will work out a schedule to get them in, and do our best to have them done before Memorial Day.  We have no set cost for this service, you decide what it’s worth.

Guest Preaching

Pastor Jeff is preaching and leading the worship service at First CRC tonight.  Pray that God would bless the ministry of the Word and worship, and continue to grant his grace to First CRC.

High School and College graduates

We are proud of your accomplishments and would like share just a little bit about you! Please submit your graduation information & picture if possible to the church office NO LATER THEN TODAY.  Church email address:  unitycrc@yahoo.com.

Graduation Open House Announcements

If you would like your graduation open house announcement in the unity update or in the bulletin, please send your information to unitycrc@yahoo.com  NO LATER THAN TODAY.

Spring Tea

Unity Fellowship is hosting a Spring Tea.  Ladies (Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters, Moms and daughters) dust off your tea bonnet, find your favorite tea cup and join us at Unity church on Saturday, May 10th at 10:00am for a spring tea. The younger “ladies” are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or teddy to share their tea time. If you do not have a tea bonnet or tea cup don't let that stop you, we will have plenty on hand to share.

Angel Food Ministries

Enjoy top quality fresh groceries at super savings! No applications, No income qualifications, No Membership, No Dues. This is not a fundraiser! Just great food at great prices! This wonderful service is being put on by Harvest Community Church of Willmar. There is more information on the church bulletin board, or at www.harvestwillmar.com or you can talk to Christina Vander Pol.

Join the Race

Do something to help fight the pandemic of AIDS. www.jointherace.org

Online Missionary Videos

Community Announcements

CMCS Pops Concert

The CMCS Pops Concert will be held in the high school gym Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm.  The theme this year is Shake, Rattle, and Rock! Pop and popcorn will be served. Come and enjoy a night of rockin' entertainment!

New Life Treatment Center Horse-Ride-A-Thon

The board and staff of New Life Treatment Center announce the Annual Horse-Ride-a-Thon.  Horses with riders and horse drawn rigs will begin their trek from Pipestone County Fairgrounds and proceed to their destination at the Center in Woodstock.  The date is Saturday, May 17, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Annual Horse Ride-a-Thon will be concluded by lunch, awards, and prizes at the Center at approximately 1:30 pm.  For further information, contact New Life Treatment Center, Woodstock, MN, at (507) 777-4321.

Hooray! Let’s go on a hike

We are going on a VBS Friendship Trek, June 9-13. Any hiker who has completed Preschool - 6th grade is welcome to join us, in discovering Jesus our Forever Friend. We will be hiking through trails as we learn how Jesus is a friend who will love, care, and share with us no matter what. Sign up sheets and registration forms are on the table in the back of church. If you have any questions call Lisa Jarveis or Darla Ryks.  Sign up your kids for VBS today for a fun hiking adventure!

Dordt Discovery Days

The registration deadline is approaching! Sign up now for Dordt Discovery Days, June 23-27 on the campus of Dordt College.  This is a five-day hands-on learning camp for 6th-8th graders which provides middle school students an opportunity to explore new interests; dive deeper into familiar ones; meet new friends from a variety of places and backgrounds; and learn together for 5 days on a college campus in Christian community.  Check out www.dordt.edu/events/ddd/ for complete class listings and to register. For more information contact Dianne De Wit at 712-722-6029 or by email at ddewit@dordt.edu.

Adult Learning Vacation to the Netherlands!

Dordt College is offering a new adult learning vacation to the Netherlands May 11-20, 2009.  Travel with Dordt Professor Leendert van Beek and Dr. Hubert Krygsman who will share their expertise on Dutch culture and history.  A trip highlight will be meeting up with the touring Dordt College Concert Choir for their concert in Dordrecht.  Cost includes airfare, motel accommodations and many meals.  Register before June 1 and be eligible to win a $250 travel gift certificate. For more information, contact Dianne De Wit at ddewit@dordt.edu or 712-722-6029 or see full details at  www.dordt.edu/events/netherlands .

Message: “Embrace AIDS: Touching the Untouchables”

Offering: Unity Ministries

Lead Worshipers: Heather Pluimer & Jason Ver Steeg

Welcome to Unity Church!  We give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his love endures forever. He has done marvelous things and we give him praise. This is why we come to this place.

Today we focus our attention on the destructive pandemic of AIDS that is destroying millions of lives and especially in third world countries like South Africa.  It is far too easy to ignore such a huge crisis like this, but we as the Church, followers of Jesus Christ, must respond and act.

Sunday: 4/27/08

10:00am: Morning Worship and Children’s church for children ages 3-preK and K- 1

12:00pm: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Monday:

4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

6:15pm: Deacons Meeting

7:00pm: Council Meeting

7:00pm: Friendship Class at Willmar CRC

Tuesday:

9:30am: Ladies Bible Study ~ Study chapter 7 & 8

Wednesday:

7:00pm: Youth Group (7th- 12th) at the Rock on 8th

7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

9:00pm: Worship Team Practice

Sunday, May 3

9:00am: Missions Prayer Time (Pastor Jeff’s Office)

9:00am: Sunday School, 2nd - 12th grade

10:00am: Worship

UNITY Announcements

Our Love and Sympathy

Our love and prayers go out to Norm & Val Duininck, Carl & Shirley Marcus, and the entire Duininck family in the loss of their nephew, Rev. Kelly Duininck. Kelly went to be with his Lord and Savior this past Monday evening after his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The funeral was yesterday at Rhema Bible Church Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

If anyone would like to pay a tribute to Kelly Duininck they can go to www.hayhurstfuneralhome.com , go to online tributes and type Duininck.

Baby Congratulations

Congratulations to Ben & Megan Taatjes in the birth of their daughter, Addilyn Jae. She was born this past Tuesday, April 22nd. She was 21 1/2 inches long and weighed 7lbs 13 oz. She was welcomed home by her big sister, Lauren.

Prayer Ministry

Next Sunday we will begin a new prayer ministry.  Near the end of every worship service there will be prayer ministers available to pray with you about anything.  We highly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to have members of our church pray with you and pray for you.  We believe that in order for lives to be transformed and Unity Church to be the place God has called us to be, we must immerse ourselves in prayer.

Building Project Update

The contract to build the expansion with the East Nursery Wing was signed with Marcus Construction on Friday. At the Thursday night congregational meeting, including the nursery wing was approved.  Construction will begin as soon as the weather cooperates and road restrictions are lifted.  We will have a ground-breaking ceremony as part of our prayer service on Sunday May 11 at 6:00pm.

10-Day Global Prayer Guides

As part of the Global Day of Prayer movement, which we will be celebrating on May 11, you have been given a 10-day prayer guide in your church mailboxes to begin using this Thursday, May 1 (which is also National Day of Prayer). We ask that you use these prayer guides to expand your prayers for the world.  If you don’t have a church box or would like additional prayer guides, you can pick up copied versions by the magazine rack in the fellowship hall.

Spring Tea

Unity Fellowship is hosting a Spring Tea. Ladies (Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters, Moms and daughters) dust off your tea bonnet, find your favorite tea cup and join us at Unity church on Saturday, May 10th at 10:00am for a spring tea.

The younger “ladies” are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or teddy to share their tea time. If you do not have a tea bonnet or tea cup don't let that stop you, we will have plenty on hand to share.

Spaghetti Supper

Solid Rock Youth Ministries is hosting a free-will donation spaghetti supper in Prinsburg on Wednesday evening May 14th!  There will also be a silent auction for youth labor/services.

SRYG ~ Girls Retreat

Solid Rock Junior & Senior high school girls and their parents—please note that an overnight retreat is planned for you Friday evening May 16 through Saturday, May 17th.

Council Nominations

The Council is in the process of nominating office bearers to serve for the next three years. If you would like to suggest a nomination please contact Jeff Poppema prior to our Council meeting tomorrow night, so that we as a congregation can select and install the new office bearers on May 18 as part of our worship time.

High School and College Graduates

We are proud of your accomplishments and would like share just a little bit about you! Please forward your graduation information to the church office by April 30th. Church email address: unitycrc@yahoo.com

High school graduates: please let us know when graduation is, what your future plans are and a little bit about the activities or hobbies you were involved in.

College graduates: when is/was graduation, what is your certificate or degree and what your future plans are.

Graduation Open House Announcements

If you would like your graduation open house announcement in the Unity Update or the bulletin, please send your information to unitycrc@yahoo.com  NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, MAY 4TH!

Community Announcements

Friendship Class

Friendship Class, Monday. April 28th, 7pm at the Willmar CRC. Please return
any materials you have.  Lesson will be provided.

Appreciation Banquet

Friendship Appreciation Banquet, Tuesday, April 29th, 6:00pm at the Evangelical Free Church.  Please be seated by 6:00pm.

The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Thursday, May 1 is the National Day of Prayer and you are invited to start the day by attending the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 6:30-8:00 am. President of CTI Music Ministries, David Lanning, will talk about "Growing a Heart of Prayer for Willmar." Tickets are $10 and can be picked up at our church office.

CMCS Pops Concert

The CMCS Pops Concert will be held in the high school gym Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm.  The theme this year is Shake, Rattle, and Rock!  Pop and popcorn will be served. Come and enjoy a night of rockin' entertainment!

Angel Food Ministries

Enjoy top quality fresh groceries at super savings!  No applications, No income qualifications, No Membership, No Dues. This is not a fundraiser!  Just great food at great prices!  This wonderful service is being put on by Harvest Community Church of Willmar.  There is more information on the church bulletin board, or at www.harvestwillmar.com or talk to Christina Vander Pol.

Dordt Discovery Days

The registration deadline is approaching! Sign up now for Dordt Discovery Days, June 23-27 on the campus of Dordt College . This is a five-day hands-on learning camp for 6th-8th graders which provides middle school students an opportunity to explore new interests; dive deeper into familiar ones; meet new friends from a variety of places and backgrounds; and learn together for 5 days on a college campus in Christian community.  Check out  http://www.dordt.edu/events/ddd/  for complete class listings and to register.  For more information contact Dianne De Wit at ddewit@dordt.edu  or 712-722-6029.

Adult Learning Vacation to the Netherlands!

Dordt College is offering a new adult learning vacation to the Netherlands May 11-20, 2009.  Travel with Dordt Professor Leendert van Beek and Dr. Hubert Krygsman who will share their expertise on Dutch culture and history.  A trip highlight will be meeting up with the touring Dordt College Concert Choir for their concert in Dordrecht.  Cost includes airfare, motel accommodations and many meals. Register before June 1 and be eligible to win a $250 travel gift certificate. For more information, contact Dianne De Wit at ddewit@dordt.edu or 712-722-6029 or see full details at www.dordt.edu/events/netherlands

Message:  “Joy in Weakness” by Pastor Jeff

Offering:  Unity Ministries

Lead Worshiper:  Bryan De Groot

10:00am: Morning Worship and Children’s church for children ages 3-preK and K-

Monday:

4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:

9:30am: Ladies Bible Study - Study chapter 5 & 6

Wednesday:

7:00pm: Youth Group (9th- 12th) at the Rock on 8th

7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

9:00pm: Worship Team Practice

Thursday:

7:00pm: Congregational Meeting

Saturday:

8:00am - 8:00pm: Paper Crafting Retreat at Unity Church

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):

9:00am: Sunday School, 2nd - 12th grade

10:00am: Worship

12:00pm: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

UNITY Announcements

Celebration of Communion

This morning we participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.  If you have placed your faith in Jesus and desire to live for him, you are invited to join us at the Table of the Lord today.  We will be coming forward to receive the elements.

Embrace AIDS Sunday

The Christian Reformed Church has designated today as the day to promote CRWRC’s Embrace AIDS Campaign. We, however, will have that as our focus next week.

Council Nominations

The Council is in the process of nominating office bearers to serve for the next three years. If you would like to suggest a nomination please contact Jeff Poppema prior to our next Council meeting on April 28, so that we can select and install the new elders and deacons on May 18 as part of our worship.

Congregational Meeting

Thursday, April 24, at 7:00pm we will have a special congregational meeting to vote on how to proceed with the building project.  Details about the meeting and the vote are in your church mailboxes.

Papercrafting Retreat

All scrapbookers, card makers, and papercrafters are invited for a one day “Retreat” at Unity on Saturday, April 26 from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM.  There will be a Cricut and other papercrafting tools on hand to be shared.  Anyone wishing to use the Cricut will be asked to purchase their own mat and can talk to Christina for details.  This event is open to the community, so please feel free to invite a friend for a day of fellowship and fun!  The cost for the day will be $10 per person, which includes a catered lunch ($2 without lunch). Everyone is invited to bring a snack to share to cover the rest of the day.  For more information or to reserve your spot, please call Christina Vander Pol.

SRYG Upcoming Events

Solid Rock Youth Ministries is hosting a free-will donation spaghetti supper in Prinsburg on Wednesday evening May 14th!  There will also be a silent auction for youth labor/services.

SRYG ~ Girls Retreat

Solid Rock Junior & Senior high school girls and their parents—please note that an overnight retreat is planned for you Friday evening May 16 through Saturday, May 17th.

Guys, Dads & Grandpa's - Lets Get Kids Hooked on Fishing

Join us Saturday, May 3 at Unity for our first ever crappie/bluegill tourney and fish fry. It’s going to be a day of fishing fun! Guys, recruit your son, daughter, grandchild or borrow a kid for the day. For more information or a registration form contact the church office.  Registration Deadline is Saturday, April 26th!

High School and College graduates

We are proud of your accomplishments and would like share just a little bit about you! Please forward your graduation information to the church office by April 30th. Church email address: unitycrc@yahoo.com

High school graduates: please let us know when graduation is, what your future plans are and a little bit about the activities or hobbies you were involved in.

College graduates: when is/was graduation, what is your certificate or degree and what your future plans are.

Graduation Open House Announcements

If you would like your graduation open house announcement in the Unity Update or the bulletin, please send your information to unitycrc@yahoo.com  NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, MAY 4TH!

Community Announcements

GEMS Banquet

The GEMS annual Spring Banquet will be Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 pm in the 1st Prinsburg CRC basement. Mothers and Grandmothers are invited to join the girls as we celebrate what God has done through the GEMS program this year!

Music Recital

Tonight at 7:30 p.m