MORNING WORSHIP
Message: “Elijah: Ups and Downs of Living for God (Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshipers: Bryan DeGroot and Praise Team
Offering: Unity Ministries
Welcome to Unity Church!
As the word of the Lord came to Elijah nearly 3000 years ago, it is our desire that the Word of God (Jesus Christ) would come to you this day. May you truly experience the presence of God in worship today.
Supporting the Persecuted Church
During the season of Lent, from Ash Wednesday (March 1) to Easter (April 16), we will be focusing our attention on some of the places around the world where Christians face intense persecution. Each week we will get a snapshot of a different nation where those who believe in Jesus are refused fundamental human rights simply because of their faith. Please make it a priority to pay attention to and pray for the needs of those who are facing suffering. As a reminder of the nations we are praying for, we will hang their flags in the sanctuary each week.
Next Week: Our study of the Old Testament prophets continues with Elijah’s successor, Elisha. As we look at the life and ministry of Elisha we will see what it takes to receive a spiritual legacy, and for Elisha, receiving “a double portion of the Spirit of Elijah.”
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
The monthly calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendarToday (3rd Sunday):
10:00am - Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK and in grades K-2 will be dismissed by announcement for Children’s Church
5:00pm - Evening Worship
Monday:
4:00pm - Worship Planning Meeting
7:00pm - Friendship Class: Review
~ Lunch: Elva and Lois
Tuesday:
7:00pm - Ladies’ Jail Ministry
Wednesday:
7:00pm - Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm - Youth Group
Next Sunday (4th 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
Old Testament Challenge (OTC):
The fast-track readings for this week (Week 26) are 1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2-6; and Psalms 84, 144, 145. For the complete fast-track reading schedule, go online to our website at www.unitycrc.org/otcreading. For the people who are reading using the full version, if you want to finish by May 28, you should be reading for week 30 (Isaiah 45-66).
UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS
Open House Bridal Shower You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Beth Fischer, who is engaged to be married to Justin Kors. The shower will be at Unity on Sat., April 1 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.Elder and Deacon Nominations
If you wish to nominate someone for elder or deacon, please pass along those names to one of the Council members prior to the April 8 Retreat.
Pastor Steve Back in Office
Pastor Steve and Ang will return from their trip to Arizona this Tuesday, March 21. Pastor Steve will be back in the church office and available on Wednesday.
UNITY CHURCH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Prison Ministry Training The next training session for prison ministry will be held on Tuesday, April 4 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. May 6 is the next date for training in St. Cloud. Anyone who is interested in participating when Unity leads worship at the prison should attend one of these trainings.Small Group Smorgasbord
Beginning Easter morning (April 16), there will be a “buffet offering a wide variety of choices” of material for your small group to consider for this summer. Every group is encouraged to participate, as well as those who are interested in joining a group.
March Campaign for the Willmar Food Shelf
There are several ways to give:
- By designated cash in the offering
- By designated check in the offering
- By bringing food named on the “Grocery List”
Please keep the staff and clients of the Food Shelf in your prayers as well. More information and extra copies of the “Grocery List”
are located on a table in the Fellowship Hall.
MN Marriage Amendment
On Tuesday, March 21, there will an attempt to bring the Marriage Amendment out of committee at the Minnesota State Capitol. Minnesota for Marriage is asking all those who support this initiative to gather at the Capitol building at 11:00am to rally for the amendment. The goal of this rally is to get the amendment to the floor of the Senate and on the ballot this fall. R&J Tours is supplying buses for this trip at a cost of $10.00 per person. The buses will leave the southeast corner of the Kandi Mall at 8:45am and return around mid-afternoon. Reserve your place today. For more info contact Pastor Brent Waldemarsen at Harvest Community Church (235-2106) or go online to www.minnesotaformarriage.org.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bunde Young Peoples Annual Soup and Pie Supper Three kinds of soup plus a variety of pies will be served on Wednesday, March 22 from 5:00-7:30 pm. Freewill donations will go to help our youth programs. Contact Becky Graves at 967-4218 with any questions.Calvin College Capella Choir
On Friday, March 24 the Calvin College Capella Choir will present a concert at First CRC at 7:30 PM. The CMCS Choir will also perform several selections as part of this concert. There will be no admission charge. A free-will offering will be received for the music programs of both schools. There will be a time for
coffee and fellowship following.
Manhattan Christian Concert
On Sunday, March 26 the Manhattan Christian Concert Choir will present a sacred concert at First CRC at 7:00 PM. The evening worship has been rescheduled to 5:30 PM. The choir is from Manhattan, Montana Christian High School, and is directed by Mr. Gene Reichert. There will be a free-will offering to help with tour expenses. A time for coffee and fellowship will also follow the concert.
Dad’s Belgian Waffle Supper
Tuesday, April 4 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Come to the CMCS High School cafeteria for dinner! Free-will donations will be taken to support the Juniors and Seniors of CMCS on their California Mission Trip. Carry-outs are available. Enjoy the Fine Arts Night display beginning at 6:30pm in the High School Gym also.
CMCS Presents: Annie Get Your Gun
Performances are Thursday, March 30 at 7:00pm; Friday, March 31 at 12:30pm; and Saturday, April 1 at 7:00pm in the high school gym.
Tickets are available for purchase in the high school office or at the door. Cost of admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. The CMCS Mission Trip students will also be selling homemade bars and beverages during intermission and after the musical as a fundraiser for their California Mission Trip in April.
CMCS K - 4th present: “Music and Me”
Thursday, April 6 at 7:00pm. Come to the high school gym and enjoy this wonderful musical. Along with the musical you will hear Easter music selections and the Patriotic Recorders. Students are under the direction of Mrs. Barb Swanson.
