January 8, 2006

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!