Bulletins: November 2006 Archives

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 25:6 - 26:8
Children’s Message: Arlene Groen
Ministry Of Music: Josh Layman
Message Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Message: Anticipation (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

Welcome to Unity! Good Morning & welcome to Unity in the Advent Season! Come and celebrate with us the joy of Christ's birth, the hope of all mankind! May you find peace and blessing in God's presence as we worship the Lord together!

Pastor Jeff Out of the Office
Pastor Jeff and Wendy will be gone until Wednesday, November 29. They will be traveling to celebrate the Holidays with Wendy’s family.

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

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

Today (4th Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
No Children’s Church today
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm: Friendship Class, Willmar CRC -- Christmas Party!

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

Wednesday:
7:00pm: CADETS at First CRC
7:00pm: Youth Group (7-9)
7:00pm: Wild at Heart Men's Adventure
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
8:45am: Adult Sunday School
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
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, December 24- 5:00pm
Christmas Eve Service

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

Life at Unity

Sympathy
We express our love and offer our prayers to the family, friends and fellow employees of Brenda Brouwer, who passed away this past Monday evening. The funeral was held yesterday at Raymond CRC with Pastor Steve officiating. Please accept our love for you and know that we are praying for you in this time of loss but also sharing in the celebration of the new life that Brenda now has in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior!

Give Thanks!
Rita Ninneman had a successful surgery last week and is doing well.

Christmas Cards for Our Missionaries
This Sunday we will again take five minutes during the worship service to write Christmas Cards to our missionaries. The Missions & Outreach Team will provide you with the cards and envelopes and will collect the cards and mail them for you. If you’d like to bring a letter, note, or pictures of your own, you may do so and include them with your card. If you know you will not be here on Sunday and would like to send cards, you may come to church and write on your cards anytime between November 20 and November 28. Our missionaries greatly appreciate these Christmas greetings – and we would really like to bless them with an abundance of Christmas cards!

Missionary Housing Matching Grant Reminder
If you would like to give toward the $5000 matching grant for the AMMI House Fund for Eric & Mandi Peterson in Brazil , please designate your checks and bring them to church by November 30. For more information about the this project you can go to www.unitycrc.org/missions/petersons/.

Adult Sunday School
The next "From the Beginning..." class will be Next Sunday, December 3. The featured speaker will be biology teacher, author, and fishing guide Den Pluimer. Den will unveil for us the marvels of DNA and how it relates to our faith. The final session of this class will be Sunday, December 17 with Pastor Jeff addressing what seminaries are teaching about the interpretation of Genesis 1-2. You are invited to join us for these fascinating discussions.

Cookie Exchange
You are cordially invited to a cookie exchange on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00pm. Please bring 5 dozen cookies. Following the exchange we will have a time of fellowship with tea and goodies. Sign up in the back of church. Everyone is welcome!

7th Annual Christmas Music Program at First CRC
Sunday, December 3 at 7:00pm. Featuring congregational singing and special music by CMCS Girls Chorus, CMCS Male chorus and vocalist Richard Yague. Fellowship & refreshments will follow.

Community Announcements

CMCS Christmas Programs Central Minnesota Christian high school students invite you to their Christmas Concert on Monday, December 4 @ 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Groups performing will be the jazz band, girls chorus, male chorus, concert band, and concert choir. All groups are under the direction of Michelle Mulder.

"Happy Birthday Jesus!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades K-4 on Friday, December 8, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. The theme of our program shares the peace, joy, love, and happiness Jesus can bring into our lives, not just at Christmas, but always. All are welcome. Students are under the direction of Barb Swanson.

"Totally Christmas!" will be presented by CMCS students in grades 5-8 on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 pm. in the high school gym. Through traditional and contemporary choral and band music, our student musicians celebrate the "Joy" of Christmas. All are welcome. Groups are under the direction of Barb Swanson and Michelle Mulder.

December Events for West Central Christian Singles
1st Event:
Would you like to go Christmas caroling? Come to Grizzly’s in Willmar at 4:00pm on Sunday, December 3. We will carpool for caroling and then return to Grizzly’s at 5:30pm for dinner. Please RSVP by Saturday, December 2. Please indicate if you will be joining us for caroling and dinner or just dinner (we need to make reservations for the right number of people attending)

2nd Event:
It is the "Come! Celebrate Christmas" concert at Willmar Evangelical Free. Saturday, December 9. Meet in the gathering area at E-Free church at 6:30pm so that we can sit as a group. We are going to go to McMillans afterwards for coffee and fellowship. Please RSVP by Friday, December 8 by emailing us.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-24
Message: I Will Give Thanks At All Times! (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper(s): Heather Pluimer & Shannon Stoel

Welcome to Unity!

Good Morning and welcome to worship at Unity. We pray God’s richest blessings on you as you join us in worshiping our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ! Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Worship

Please join us this Wednesday night at 7pm for our Thanksgiving Eve Service. Our worship will focus on offering thanksgiving to God for who he is using Scripture readings, prayers, songs, and communion. The offering Wednesday night will be for the Love Fund. Let us enter his courts with thanksgiving in our hearts!

Prison Ministry

This morning a team of people from Unity Church are leading a time of worship and Thanksgiving at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. Those ministering are Sarah Brouwer, Wilson Brouwer, Bob Donyes, Pam Knapper, and Pastor Jeff. Please pray that the inmates will hear the Word clearly and respond with thanksgiving and joy.

The Weekly Calendar

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

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children will be invited by announcement to go to
Children’s Church.
~ Library Meeting Following worship
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice
4:00pm: Worship Grant Project Meeting

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

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

Wednesday:
6:50pm: Youth Group meet at Unity
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Thanksgiving worship

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL!
10:00am: Morning Worship
NO CHILDREN’S CHURCH
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, November 22 - 7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Service

Sunday, December 24- 5:00pm
Christmas Eve Service

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

Angel Tree Names Still Available

Unity’s response to Angel Tree was overwhelming! 50 names were selected two weeks ago; the remaining 25 disappeared last Sunday. Thanks! This week a request was received for gifts for two additional five-year-old girls. If you are interested in buying for one or both of these, contact Marly or Kerry. Also, there is a young DOC man at the jail who would love to have a study Bible. Teen Challenge had given him a nice one, but trusting that God would replace it, he gave it to a new Christian who was being transferred to Saint Cloud. It would bless his socks off to have it replaced! (He would also love visits and/or letters).

Christmas Cards for Our Missionaries

This morning and next Sunday we will take five minutes during worship to write Christmas Cards to our missionaries. We will provide you with the cards and mail them for you. All you need to do is write a greeting and sign your name. If you would like to write more, you may bring a note or pictures of your own next Sunday or you can come to church and write the cards anytime before the end of November. Our missionaries greatly appreciate these Christmas greetings, and we would really like to bless them with an abundance of Christmas cards this year! Bulletin Announcements need to be to April by 5:00pm this Tuesday! Office will be closed this Friday.

Pastor Jeff Out of the Office

Pastor Jeff and Wendy will be gone from Thursday, November 23 until Wednesday, November 29. They will be traveling to celebrate the Holidays with Wendy’s family.

Youth Group (9-12)

We will join Unity Church for the Wednesday evening Thanksgiving worship service at 7:00pm (arrive by 6:50 please). Following worship we will have a thanksgiving party. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight, you may need them. Also, we will be out later than normal since there is no school the next day.

Youth Group (7-12)

Saturday, November 25 is "Clean the Rock Day" Youth who are able are invited to come at 10a.m. to spend time hanging out and cleaning/organizing the Rock. Bring some money for noon meal.

Adult Sunday School

The next "From the Beginning..." class will be on December 3. The featured speaker will be biology teacher, author, and fishing guide Den Pluimer. Den will unveil for us the marvels of DNA and how it relates to our faith. The final session of this class will be Sunday, December 17 with Pastor Jeff addressing what seminaries are teaching about the interpretation of Genesis 1-2. You are invited to join us for these fascinating discussions.

Cookie Exchange

You are cordially invited to a cookie exchange on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00pm. Please bring 5 dozen cookies. Following the exchange we will have a time of fellowship with tea and goodies. Sign up in the back of church. Everyone is welcome!

Nursery Schedule

Thank you so much to everyone that took time to sign up and help in the nursery. We really appreciate it! We as the nursery team have decided to go back to the nursery schedule. Your schedule is in your mail box today. Please note when you are scheduled to be in the nursery. If you are unable to help in the nursery the day you are scheduled please find your own replacement. We have placed a list of those who can possibly switch with you. Thank you!!

Community Announcements

Child Cots for Sale

Are you in need of a cot for your kids, or grandkids to sleep on? Perfect for your lake house or even at home for afternoon naps. Unity Childcare has some gently used child cots for sale. If you are interested or would like more information please contact the church office.

Prairie Arts Chorale

The Prairie Arts Chorale will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by offering a series of concerts featuring his music for the 2006 season. Singers include Gar Jasper, Paul Knapper, and Claudia & David Zylstra. Concerts in this area will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Redwood Falls - TONIGHT at 7:30pm; and Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer - Tomorrow, Monday, November 20 at 4:00pm. For more information or to get tickets, contact a Chorale member.

7th Annual Christmas Music Program at First CRC

Sunday, December 3 at 7:00pm. Featuring congregational singing and special music by CMCS Girls Chorus, CMCS Male chorus and vocalist Richard Yague. Fellowship & refreshments will follow.

Welcome to Unity!
We have the incredible privilege to go to church any time to gather as people who worship Jesus or want to know more about him. But that is not the case around the world. Many people will gather today in fear and secrecy, knowing that if they were caught in a place like this, they would be arrested, beaten, or killed for naming the name of Jesus. Today we join with hundreds of thousands of voices crying out on their behalf to ask for God’s grace.

Celebration of Communion

This morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together as the body of Christ. Anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus, confessing him as Lord and Savior of their life is welcome at the Table of the Lord.

The Weekly Calendar

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

Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

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

Wednesday:
7:00pm: 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 at Church

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
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Angel Tree Names Still Available

Thanks for the great response to this wonderful ministry! 50 names were distributed last week. The remaining Angel Tree names will be available in the fellowship hall after church. If you picked up an Angel Tree name last week but forgot to take a guideline letter, please pick one up today. Age appropriate gospel presentations, to be included with the gifts, will be in your mailbox within the next few weeks.

Thank You to Unity

We thank you for your gift of $200 to Friendship ministries! We also want to thank those of you who helped serve and bring bars to our Spiritual Retreat, as well as those who mentor throughout the year! We also want to thank Pastor Steve for his leadership and presence at the retreat! - The Friends of Friendship

Building Project Update

The Building Expansion Team would like to thank everyone for their valuable input on the latest design of our building plan. We are moving closer to finalizing all the specifications for the building. And we will soon be able to get started on actually building. Our next meeting as a team with the architect will primarily be for the purpose of getting a detailed estimate of the cost of building and renovating. Following that, we will have a congregational meeting on Sunday, January 7 immediately after worship for the architect to present the plan, walk us through it, and answer any questions. Our goal for the rest of the timeline is that by mid-February we will be able to let out the project for bids and by mid-to-late March we will break ground. We ask for your continued prayers, support, and input as we move forward.

Prairie Arts Chorale

The Prairie Arts Chorale will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by offering a series of concerts featuring his music for the 2006 season. Singers include Gar Jasper, Paul Knapper, and Claudia & David Zylstra. Concerts in this area will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo - November 18 at 7:30pm; Gloria Dei Lutheran in Redwood Falls - November 19 at 7:30pm; and Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer - November 20 at 4:00pm. For more information or to get tickets, contact a Chorale member.

Annual Harvest Festival

The Annual Harvest Festival of Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg will be held in the High School on Saturday, November 18, from 4:30pm - 8:30pm. There will be an old fashioned ham supper with serving beginning at 4:30pm. There will also be booths for all ages to enjoy, including holiday, food, craft, kids carnival, and teen scene. The live auction will begin at 6:00pm. The silent auction will run from 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Come and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fellowship for all ages.

Morning Worship

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32 (Scripture Reader: Dan Ohden)
Message: "Show Me My Sin" (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan DeGroot

Welcome to Unity!
Welcome to everyone who has entered this place to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords! Our prayer for you today is that the glory and presence of the Lord will refresh and encourage your soul and that you would find grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Communion

Next week we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together as the body of Christ. Anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus, confessing him as Lord and Savior of their life is welcome at the Table of the Lord.

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.

The Weekly Calendar

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

Today (1st Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children will be invited by announcement to go to
Children’s Church.

12:00pm: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
5:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
6:15pm: Deacons Meeting
6:15pm: Elders Meeting
7:00pm: Full Council Meeting

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

Wednesday:
7:00pm: GEMS at First CRC
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 9-12 at the Rock on 8th
7:00pm: Men’s Bible Study at Hoekstra’s
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU at Church
7:00pm: Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting at Church

Next Sunday (2nd 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 - Communion
1:00pm: Christmas Program Practice

Nursery Sign-Up

Thank you so much to everyone who has signed up to work in the nursery. Your help is so greatly appreciated! We still have a need for some nursery attendants in the months of November and December. Please sign up today. The sign-up sheets are outside of the nursery next to the bathrooms. If there are any dates not filled, we will have to pull names of people who have signed up on the surveys to do nursery and put them in on any given Sunday. Thank you so much for offering your time to be in the nursery.

Adult Education Sunday Schedule

The class will meet again next 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.

Thank you from the Bible League

Thank you for all your donations that you gave the past two years for the Bible League’s project for the Philippines. Almost one million dollars was raised to furnish Bibles for the Filipino people. Now we are starting a new project. For the next two years we will be furnishing Bibles for the people in Mexico, in their own language. In your church mailbox today, you will find a brochure telling you about this project. Please keep these people in your prayers that we can reach out to them with God’s word.

Annual Harvest Festival

The Annual Harvest Festival of Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg will be held in the High School on Saturday, November 18, from 4:30pm - 8:30pm. There will be an old fashioned ham supper with serving beginning at 4:30pm. There will also be booths for all ages to enjoy, including holiday, food, craft, kids carnival, and teen scene. The live auction will begin at 6:00pm. The silent auction will run from 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Come and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fellowship for all ages.

Do you have baking talents?

Has your garden produced enough bounty to share? If so, the Harvest Festival could use your help. If you could bake something for the international Bakery, or if you have garden produce you would be willing to donate to the General Store, please bring it along to the Harvest Festival or drop it off at the high school office a day or two before the Festival. Thank you!

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