July 17, 2005

9:30 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshiper: Praise Team
Giving of our Firstfruits: Unity Ministries
Sermon Series: Building Bigger Hearts
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:15-35, Matthew 5:23-24 (Reader: Marge Breems)
Message: “The Heart of Forgiveness Says ‘Go’!”
Closing and Benediction

5:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Scripture Reading: 3 John 1-8
Message: “Making Disciples or Exotic Youth Outings: Part II”
Offering: MOPS

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

WORSHIP NOTES

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

Building Bigger Hearts: This morning we begin a new sermon series which looks at the keys to growing great relationships. It is designed for all kinds of relationships, whether with spouses, friends, co-workers, or family members. Each of these messages will focus on principles from God’s word that give practical steps for building healthy relationships of all kinds. Today we look at the “Heart of Forgiveness.” Jesus makes it very clear that one of the primary keys to strong, lasting relationships is the willingness and ability to forgive. It is so vitally important that our forgiveness from God actually hinges on our willingness to forgive others.

This Evening: Tonight we continue our discussion on the purpose and role of Short-Term Missions for the church. We will try to answer the question, “What is the best way to do Short-Term Missions?” Is it poor stewardship to pay so much money to send ill-prepared kids to a foreign place when that same money could do so much more by long-term missionaries? Or do Short-Term Mission trips have a lasting impact that is definitely worth any cost? How should we think about these events that we call “missions” if those who go on the trips often benefit more than those to whom they are sent? Come with your ideas and thoughts on how to make the most of Short-Term Missions trips.

You are invited to join us on Sunday July 31 at our evening worship time to hear Mike Pluimer share about his experience of preparing for and competing in the Ironman Triathlon. After hours of training, hard work, and discipline, Mike was able to complete the race and raise nearly $83,000 for the Tuition Assistance program at Central Minnesota Christian School. Come and be inspired by Mike’s testimony of how God’s grace helps us endure life’s challenges and finish strong.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Muffin Monday: Please join Unity’s "United for Life" Relay for Life team for Muffin Monday on Monday, July 18, 5:00am - 9:30am! Drive through the Unity parking lot for muffins and coffee before you head off to work. All the proceeds go to the MN Relay for Life.

Women of Faith Conference: A recipe for fun, blessing, & refreshment? Simple: A group of women attending a 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. Contact Angela Zwart for tickets or further information. Approximately 15 tickets remain.

Youth Group Valley Fair Trip! Youth Group grades 7-12 will be going to Valley Fair on August 6th. Please contact Jill at 967-4624 by July 31st if you can go and let her know if you are bringing a friend. Also please let the kids from our Youth Group who do not attend Unity know about this.
The Challenge begins this Fall: Coming September 18th. The OTC. Prepare now.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Pastor Wendy recently began a new part-time job as a chaplain at Rice Memorial Hospital and Rice Care Center. She works two days a week with several on call shifts. This will limit her availability at the church somewhat, but she looks forward to ministering in both places. Bridal Showers You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Heather (Troyer) Derricks, Saturday July 23 at Unity from 10am - 12:00 noon, in the Society Room.

You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Maggie Frieborg bride-elect of Ryan Jet, Thursday, July 21 at Unity beginning at 7:00pm.