Bulletins: January 2006 Archives

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Psalm 100, 137, 149 (Scripture Reader: Wilson Brouwer)
Message: “The Heights and Depths of Authentic Worship” (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan De Groot and Praise Team
Offering: Love Fund

EVENING WORSHIP

“Blessings of the Psalms: How the Psalms Inspire Your Life”
Offering: Bible League Welcome to Unity Church! We are glad that you have come here to worship together with us. It is our goal and desire that Jesus Christ be praised and honored in this place. Yet we must come as we are, broken and needy people in a real world that is messed up and imperfect. May our worship be honest, authentic, and real as we seek the power and presence of our loving God today.

TONIGHT: Join us this evening as we reflect on the way the Psalms have blessed us. We will sing some of your favorites from the Psalms and have a time of sharing how this section of Scripture has blessed you.

West Central MN T.E.C. Worship: You are invited to join us and the Night Vision Worship Band at Unity Church TONIGHT at 7:30pm for a time of prayer, praise, and worship. There will also be a time of testimonies from teens who've attended T.E.C. Check us out at www.wcmntec.org.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

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

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

Monday:
5:30pm - Executive Team Meeting
6:15pm - Deacons Meeting
6:30pm - Elders Meeting
7:00pm - Council Meeting

Tuesday:
9:00am - Ladies Bible Study
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

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

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
9:00am - Missionary Prayer Time
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
Congregational Meeting
(immediately after worship)
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Brief Congregational Meetings
Next Two Sundays: February 5 & 12

No Sunday School - February 19

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Pastor Steve & Family are with extended family this weekend in Sioux Falls. They will return this evening.

Brief Congregational Meetings
Next Sunday the Staff Study Team will give a brief response to the questions that were asked at the Congregational Meeting on January 15. The Finance Team will also present their proposal for the salary and changes to the budget. We will vote on this proposal the following Sunday, Feb. 12, so that everyone has a week to process and pray about all that has been presented. If you know that you will not be able to attend on the 12th, you may pick up an absentee ballot in the office any time after Tuesday.

Need Help?
Got any jobs that need to be done? Peter Meyer is available to help out around your home or business in order to raise funds for his upcoming YWAM training and mission trip. Guaranteed service with a smile with all proceeds going for a great cause! Contact Peter to see if he can help you.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Today’s Offering: Love Fund
This morning is the 5th Sunday of the month, which means that our morning offering is for the Love Fund. The Love Fund exists to help provide financial assistance to those in our church and community who are in need. If you would like to give to any of our other funds (Missions, General, Building, CMCS) you may do so by designating the fund on your check. Thank you for sharing what God has entrusted you with to help support our ministries.

Prayer for Missionaries
Join us next Sunday at 9AM in Pastor Jeff’s office as we pray intentionally for our missionaries and their needs. All are welcome to come and support our missionaries in this crucial way.

Sunday School Teachers Meeting
All Sunday School and Children’s Church teachers are asked to attend a meeting on Feb. 19 at 9AM. There is no Sunday School that day but we would like to gather for discussion and evaluation. Parents who have feedback concerning our Sunday School or Children’s Church (especially the new K-2 program) are encouraged to talk to Rita Ninneman before this meeting.

Old Testament Challenge
The fast-track readings for this week (Week 19) are Psalms 30; 69; 96; 119:1-112; 74; 83; 94. A listing of all the fast-track readings is available at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading And play one of 20 OTC games at www.unitycrc.org/otcgame.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friendship Class
We need a few new mentors. If you are interested, call Helene Dykstra.

Minnesota for Marriage Rally - Saturday, February 11
This rally will take place at Harvest Community Church in Willmar.

Pinewood Derby & BBQ Supper - Wednesday, February 15
The 5th Annual MN West (Prinsburg, Raymond, and Willmar Cadet Clubs) Pinewood Derby will be at the CMCS high school gym. Everyone is invited to join us for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. The barbeque supper will be served from 5:00 - 7:00 (free will donation). The race starts at 7:00. Snacks will be available during the races.

Senior Citizens
The February Meeting will be at the Fire Hall on Thursday, February 16th. We will have a potluck dinner at 11:30 followed by games and cards.
A - J please take salads
K - M please take desserts
N - Z please take casseroles

Calvin College Capella Concert - Friday Evening, March 24
Housing will be needed for the 40+ members of this group that will be performing at First CRC. They will also need breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: II Samuel 7:1-17 (Scripture Reader: Sarah Brouwer)
Message: "The Forever Throne of The King" (Pastor Steve)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan De Groot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

TODAY’S EVENTS

Welcome to Unity! Christ is exalted as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and we have come to worship Him today! You are invited to enter into this place with praise and thanksgiving for the great things He has done!

Worship is an expression of the heart! Each heart is uniquely and wonderfully different. Worship the Lord from your heart and let the expression of your heart pour forth as you feel led.

On this day set aside to remember the gift of life, gives thanks for this life you have today. Pray for the day when all babies will be granted the right and privilege of seeing the light of day and the aged granted to see the fullness of their days.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

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

Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Friendship Class: Lesson 1
~ Lunch: Char Groen & Marge Groen

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

Wednesday:
5:55pm - GEMS Fun Night
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group

Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Congregational Meetings (Immediately following the morning worship services) Sunday, February 5
Sunday, February 12

Old Testament Challenge

The fast-track readings for this week (Week 18) are Psalms 24, 33-35, 58, 100, 103, 117, 137. The full listing of the fast-track readings is available online at http://www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Baby Congratulations

Congratulations to Chad & Heather Groen (and grandparents Roger & Linda Ulferts) in the birth of Elias Matthew, born January 19! He weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz., and is 20 in. long.

Thank you

Hope Pregnancy Center would like to recognize the following individuals on this Pro-Life Sunday, for their contribution of time to HPC's ministry in this area: Kristen Breems, Roxie Covert, and Betty Ammerman, who are Volunteer Client Advocates; Willis Wubben and Steve Zwart who just completed terms of service on the Board; and Rick De Grote, who just joined the Board this month. Thank you!

Calvin College Capella Concert - Friday Evening, March 24

Housing will be needed for the 40+ members of this group that will be performing at First CRC. They will also need breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Missing a Missionary?

If you check the back of our bulletin to see the names of the missionaries we support, you may notice that the list is slightly shorter than last week. As of the beginning of 2006, we have finished our support for Laci & Nina Bortos and their ministry with D.O.O.R. The base in Hungary was disbanded and all the personnel from D.O.O.R. are in the process of relocating. And although we feel that D.O.O.R. is an excellent ministry to the deaf people of Europe, the Missions Team has chosen not to extend our support to the ministry. The $100 that was sent to the Bortos each month is being given to Bob Dykstra, who is ministering with YWAM on a Wisconsin reservation. Bob sends a special "Thank You" to the congregation.

Adopt-A-Missionary

Thank you to Gene & Louise Troyer and Harris & Connie Duininck who "adopted" the Bortos family over the past two years by praying for them. D.O.O.R. and the Bortos appreciated the support of our church with money and with prayer. If anyone is interested in adopting one of our other missionary families, please contact Sarah Brouwer.

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29
(Scripture Reader: Marge Breems)
Message: God’s Story: Christ in Old & New Testament (Pastor Steve)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan De Groot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

TODAY’S EVENTS

Welcome to Unity! May the presence and power of the Holy Spirit surround you with the grace and glory of God Himself this day! Today we are celebrating community in a couple of ways:

• Our worship celebration will mark the conclusion of Session Two of the Old Testament Challenge.
• Immediately following the morning worship celebration we will have our Congregational Meeting to discuss the Staff Study proposal. Coffee and goodies will be in the sanctuary.
• Taco Feed Luncheon will follow the congregational meeting. This is open to everyone!

If you are a guest today, we would love it if you are able to stay for all three today. Feel free to visit in the fellowship hall during the meeting and join us for lunch right afterwards!

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

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

Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
~ Congregational Meeting
~ Potluck/Graduation Party
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team

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

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

Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Congregational Meeting (Immediately following the morning worship services) Sunday, February 5

Old Testament Challenge
It’s been 17 weeks! Check out the 7 new games that will test you at www.unitycrc.org/otcgame. Earn as many shekels as you can… And keep reading! The fast-track readings for this week (Week 17) are Psalms 18, 23, 51; 1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 5-6, 11-14, 18. The full listing of the fast-track readings is available online at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Baby Congratulations Congratulations to Brandon and Heidi (Hoekstra) Meyer (and grandparents Chad & Beth Hoekstra) in the birth of Peyton Scott, born January 12! He weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz., and is 21 in. long. We thank God for the safe and healthy delivery of Peyton and the joy that comes with his birth!

Graduation Congratulations
Congratulations to Lindy Ammerman, celebrating her college graduation today! The festivities begin as a part of the taco feed today and the open house for her continues from 1:30 to 3:30pm in the church fellowship hall.

Calvin College Capella Concert Friday March 24
Housing will be needed for the 40+ members of this group that will be performing at First CRC. They will also need breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Marriage in Minnesota Check your mailslots today for some important information regarding the marriage issues coming up soon for this state!

Missing a Missionary?
If you check the back of our bulletin to see the names of the missionaries we support, you may notice that the list is slightly shorter than last week. As of the beginning of 2006, we have finished our support for Laci & Nina Bortos and their ministry with D.O.O.R. after the first of this year. The base in Hungary was disbanded and all the personnel from D.O.O.R. are in the process of relocating. And although we feel that D.O.O.R. is an excellent ministry to the deaf people of Europe, we have chosen not to extend our support to the ministry. The $100 that was sent to the Bortos each month is being given to Bob Dykstra, who is ministering with YWAM on a Wisconsin reservation. Bob sends a special "Thank You" to the congregation.

Adopt-A-Missionary
Thank you to Gene & Louise Troyer and Harris & Connie Duininck who "adopted" the Bortos family over the past two years by praying for them. D.O.O.R. and the Bortos appreciated the support of our church with money and with prayer. If anyone is interested in adopting one of our other missionary families, please contact Sarah Brouwer.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Volleyball Tournament The Bethany Christian Services 8th Annual Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9am-5pm in the Prinsburg Central Minnesota Christian School gyms to support your local office in Willmar, MN. Organize your team today and register by this Friday, January 20th. This fundraiser requires many volunteers to complete. We invite you to become a part of this ministry. For more information on how you can help call the office at 320-214-0601.

Open House Baby Shower
You are invited to an Open House Baby shower for Isaac John, infant son of Lucas and Lyndsey Post on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am at Unity CRC.

Minnesota for Marriage Rally
Saturday, February 11 at 10:00am at Harvest Community Church in Willmar. More details to come.

Emden Annual Soup Supper - January 25, 2006
At the Emden CRC church. We will be serving from 5:00-7:00 p.m and collecting a free-will offering. Come for great soup, fun and fellowship!!

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: I Samuel 10:20-25; 15:17-35
(Scripture Reader: Marly Breems)
Message: King Saul: Cowardice Confidence with Attitude (Pastor Steve)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan De Groot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries

Welcome to Unity! We are delighted that you have chosen to worship with us before the face of God! We trust that God’s Spirit with fill you with all grace and truth as you seek His face!

Today we resume our Old Testament Challenge by considering the life of King Saul. Israel’s first king brought a measure of delight and sorrow to the nation. In the end, unfortunately, it turned into disaster. Confidence in anything other than God is cowardice with an attitude. King Saul lived this way. The temptation is very real for us also in this self-made age of today. Hear the warnings from Saul’s life then place your confidence in God anew today. For HE is your strength and your security!

This morning we will also celebrate communion. This is both an individual and communal expression of our life’s commitment to and confidence in Jesus Christ. Remember today that your deliverance from sin and you deliverance to life forever comes only through Jesus Christ. Let your heart’s confession be: Not my will but Yours, O Lord, be done.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

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

Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Friendship Series, Lesson 4,
Lunch: Marvin and Marion

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

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

Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
~ Congregational Meeting
~Potluck/Graduation Party
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Congregational Meetings (Immediately following the morning worship services) Sunday, January 15 Sunday, February 5

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Sympathy Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Virgil & Marvis Gerdes and their family in the death of Marvis’ brother Harold Gort. A memorial service was held this past Friday in Clara City.

Guest Preaching
Pastor Jeff is preaching in Roseland Reformed Church today while Pastor Jim ministers in Alexandria through the work of their Classis.

A Message from Hope Pregnancy
Thank you for over $1,100 given to date for the Baby Bottle Boomerang! 25 bottles still need to be collected, so please help us surpass last year’s giving ($1,225) with the remaining bottles. Even an empty bottle given back helps keep costs down for this exciting program! You can give your bottle to a staff member or deacon.

Christmas Program
It’s not too late to contribute to our fantastic Christmas Program! Just indicate on your check that your gift is for the program and place it in the offering basket. Thank you!

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Fellowship Lunch AND Graduation Open House
Sunday, January 15, 2005 - Unity will be hosting a fellowship lunch following the Congregational Meeting to celebrate the conclusion of the second session of the OTC. This celebration will coincide with a Graduation Open House for Lindy Ammerman, who recently graduated from Hersing College. The lunch is being hosted by Unity and by the Ammermans. Serving will begin after the meeting, with the Open House continuing until 3:30pm. At the lunch we will be feasting on tacos (and sandwiches for the non-taco lovers!). In part this lunch will be potluck. Please bring the following based on last name:

A-E: Shredded Lettuce
F-H: Chopped Tomatoes
I-L: Salsa and/or sour cream
M-P: Toppings such as sliced olives, onions, peppers, etc.
Q-T: Shredded Cheese
U-Z: One Dozen Sandwiches

Unity will provide the meat and the taco shells. Care Group 5 is the group responsible for setup, serving, and cleanup.

Old Testament Challenge
The fast-track readings for this week, (Week 17) are Isaiah 9; 11 Psalm 21, Isaiah 53; Zach. 12:10; Psalm 91; Micah 5:1-2; Ezekiel 37; Daniel 7: 1-14; Psalm 110. For the full listing of the fast-track readings, visit www.unitycrc.org/otcreading

It’s been 16 weeks! Are you an Old Testament Expert yet?
Check out the 7 new games that will test you! Earn as many shekels as you can… And keep reading! www.unitycrc.org/otcgame

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Decommissioning Service
You are cordially invited to attend Bunde CRC’s Decommissioning Service today at 3:00pm.

Annual Volleyball Tournament
The Bethany Christian Services 8th Annual Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9am-5pm in the Prinsburg Central Minnesota Christian School gyms to support your local office in Willmar, MN. Organize your team today and register by January 20th. This fundraiser requires many volunteers to complete. We invite you to become a part of this ministry. See your church mailbox for more information on how you can help or call the office at 320-214-0601 or Linda Madsen.

Open House Baby Shower
You are invited to an Open House Baby shower for Isaac John, infant son of Lucas and Lyndsey Post on Saturday, January 21st at 10:00am at Unity CRC.

Calvin College Capella Concert
The Calvin College Capella will present a concert on Friday evening, March 24, at First CRC in Prinsburg. Housing will be needed for the 40+ members along with breakfast and a sack lunch for Saturday. Please consider hosting 2-3 Calvin students on Friday night. A sign-up sheet will be available at a later date. Thank you so much!

MORNING WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:8-11 (Scripture Reader: Wendell Bonnema) Message: “Extending God’s Grace through Hospitality” (Pastor Jeff) Lead Worshipers: Praise Team Offering: Unity Ministries

EVENING WORSHIP

No Evening Worship Tonight

Happy New Year!

Welcome to Unity Church on this New Year’s Day. We join together this morning to celebrate the beginning of a new year, a year of the Lord’s favor among us. Our heart’s desire is that you would be blessed by the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in this place.

Baptism: This morning we celebrate God’s grace and love being extended to Seth Edward Zwart and the entire Zwart family through the sign and seal of baptism. May this be a time of good news of great joy!

Commissioning: We will also take the opportunity to pray for and bless Willis Wubben as he prepares to leave for Uganda and Rwanda next week. He will be reconnecting with many friends, including a missionary of ours, Pastor Peterson Sozi, and ministering to them with the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will be led & directed by the Spirit in all wisdom.

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

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

Today:
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - No Worship Service

Tuesday:
10:30am - Library Team Meeting
5:30pm - Executive Team Meeting
6:00pm - Elders Meeting
6:15pm - Deacons Meeting
7:00pm - Council Meeting
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Team
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
6:45pm SHARP - Youth Group Movie

Next Sunday:
9:00am - Adult Education
9:00am - Sunday School Grades 7-12
9:00am - Children’s Choir Grades 3-6
9:15am - Sunday School Grades 3-6
9:15am - Prayer Time
9:45am - Children’s Choir Grades K-2
10:00am - Morning Worship
5:00pm - Evening Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Reminder: Sunday School starts again next week!

Congregational Meetings
(Immediately following the morning worship services)
Sunday, January 15 and
Sunday, February 5

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Our Sympathy Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Virgil & Marvis Gerdes and their family in the death of Marvis’ brother Harold Gort. Harold passed away December 15th at Bethesda Heritage Nursing home in Willmar at the age of 90. A memorial service will be held January 6th at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Funeral services were held this past weekend.

Fellowship Dinner AND Graduation Open House
Sunday, January 15, 2005
Unity will be hosting a fellowship lunch following the January 15 Congregational meeting to celebrate the conclusion of Session Two of OTC. This will coincide with a Graduation Open House for Lindy Ammerman, who graduated from Hersing College. The Lunch is being hosted by Unity and the Ammermans. Serving will begin after the meeting, with the Open House continuing until 3:30pm.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Thank Yous We would like to say a special thanks to our church family for coming alongside us through prayer, cards, helping us with our children and just being there for us as we mourned the loss of Kurt's sister. We are blessed to be a part of such a caring family. Kurt, Natalie & Boys

“Thank you to six couples from Unity! We sincerely thank those of you who helped us celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary by sending us cards, letters or by remembering us in your prayers. We were pleased, surprised, and blessed to hear from you!” Ed and Bertie Roels

Out of the Office
Wendy Fisher will be in Michigan for a wedding and to visit with family and friends until January 9th.