August 21, 2005

9:30 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshiper: Gar Jasper
Prayer for the Church and the World
Giving of our Firstfruits: Unity Ministries
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40:10-31 (Reader: Larry Groen)
Message: “How Great is Our God” (Mike Pluimer)
Special Music
Closing and Benediction

5:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Offering: Hope Pregnancy Center
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14
Message: “We Know the Answer, But What was the Question?” (Pastor Wendy)

7:30 P.M. NIGHT VISION COMMUNITY YOUTH WORSHIP

WORSHIP NOTES

Welcome to worship at Unity Church! We have gathered together to celebrate and experience an authentic encounter with God. No matter where you are from, or what has happened this past week, God invites you to seek Him and enjoy His presence today.

This Morning: All creation testifies to the greatness and glory of God, from the vast expanse of the universe to the tiniest imperceivable detail of the atoms and particles that make up everything we see. God is the loving creator who designed it all for us. Mike Pluimer leads us this morning through an exploration of the immensity and detail of the universe, where we realize how small we really are, and how amazing it is that God did it all in his pursuit to be in relationship with us.

Tonight: “God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made…” does this seem redundant to you? It didn’t to a group of early church leaders who had survived persecution and found themselves at the very first church council held in Nicea in 325. These war-torn individuals saw these phrases as essential and produced the only creed still professed by both the eastern and the western church. Today we hold firmly to the results of their work, the Nicene Creed, but do we know the issues that led to it? Do we know what it says and why it says what it does? Come tonight to discuss what was at stake, and what remains at stake if we do not hold to the truth of the gospel. In this day of both global Christianity and watered-down Christianity, it is crucial that we understand and profess what unites us and what defines us as true believers.

Leadership Conference: Unity is hosting a leadership conference on Saturday, August 27th called, “Leading for Renewal and Revival in the Church.” Everyone is welcome to join us for the opening worship service on Friday, August 26th at 7:00pm. For more information, please visit www.unitycrc.org/leadership.

St. Cloud Prison: A team of Unity members is leading the chapel service at the St. Cloud Prison this morning. This prison typically houses 900-1100 men. Only 50 of them are permitted to attend chapel. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless the chapel leaders and the men who attend, and pray that the men will have the courage to carry the message of salvation back to their cell blocks.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

The Old Testament Challenge: The Old Testament booth is set up for you to explore more about the OTC, order copies of the reading guide and discussion guides, take the Biblical Literacy Test, and turn in your OTC response cards. Stop by and see what all the hype is about! Are you ready to take the challenge?

Bulletin Board Update Needed: The missions bulletin board in the back of the fellowship hall could use some sprucing up with new background paper, border, and pictures of our missionaries. The church office has the pictures available. If you are willing to help brighten our fellowship hall in this way, please contact the church office.

Ladies in Jail need to hear God's Word: For the past ten months, a team of ladies from our church has been leading Bible studies on Tuesday evenings with the female inmates at the Kandiyohi County Jail. It is a fascinating ministry, and one which strengthens the faith of the Bible study leaders, even as it encourages the incarcerated ladies. We are looking for substitute leaders to come in on days when we are ill, out of town, or on maternity leave! We always lead in teams, so you will be there as moral support, not leading the Bible Study. If you are willing to help, contact the church office.

Women of Faith Conference: Call your friends, family, & co-workers to make plans to attend the October 21-22 Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul. Tickets are $45.00/person. This event is always sold out. Contact Angela Zwart TODAY for tickets.

Extra Laptop? Ruth Veltkamp, our missionary in Nigeria, is seeking donations of good, used laptop computers. If you have one available, please contact the church office.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Congratulations to Andi Ruplinger and Steve Rime who were united in marriage last week Saturday. Their new address is: 110 15th Street Court #202, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

Please keep Rita Ninneman in your prayers as she returns next Sunday to Colorado for several weeks of re-evaluation. Rita’s mom, Gladys Springer, and her sister Raye will be traveling with her. We ask for God’s blessing over their travel, their learning and Rita’s healing. Thank you to all the participants and those who supported our team for Relay for Life. We were able to raise $3,607.80 in the effort of fighting cancer.

COMMUNITY & SURROUNDING AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Promise Keepers 2005 “The Awakening”
Men of all ages come to Promise Keepers 2005 for “The Awakening.” Promise Keepers invites you to an Unpredictable Adventure you will never forget! September 9-10, 2005 in St. Paul, MN. Call 1-800-888-7595 to reserve your place.


2005 Minn-ia-kota Retreat
Make plans now to ‘take a break’ from your normal routine to attend the Minn-ia-kota Retreat sponsored by Bible League Volunteers on September 13 & 14, 2005 at the Oaks Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you went last year, you probably received a mailing this week inviting you and a friend. You won’t want to miss this excellent time for spiritual renewal! Invite a friend or two to join you at this ‘retreat with a cause’! You will experience great music, inspiring speakers, a wonderful time of fellowship with other Christians, and while enjoying all of this, be able to help supply Bibles and study materials to our friends in the Philippines. Linda Evens Shepherd, our featured speaker, will share through her dramatic testimony how she turned the ‘pits of her life’ into stepping stones.


HEY MOMS!
Have kids ages birth through kindergarten? Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)Childcare is provided. 1st Meeting, Wednesday, September 14th.
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 9:00am – 11:30am
Where: Bunde Christian Reformed Church 5086 140th Ave. SE, Clara City

2005/2006 Bunde MOPS Meeting Dates
September 14, 28; October 12, 26; November 9; December 14; January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 8, 22; April 12, 26.

West Central Singers
The West Central Singers will begin rehearsals at Calvary on September 15th at 7pm. The group consists of twenty-eight adult singers, who presented four concerts last season. For further information on the group, please call Dr. Chet Sommers.

Needed: FRIENDSHIP MENTORS
Qualifications: A "need" to serve and being a friend. Time commitment: Minimal time for preparation, and one hour every other Monday evening. Starting September 19, 2005. Call: Helene Dykstra.