May 8, 2005 Bulletin

10:00 A.M. COMMUNION WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshipers: Bryan De Groot & the Unity Kids Praise Team
Ministry of Music: Josh Layman
Giving of our Firstfruits: General Fund (Next Week: Building Fund)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 42:1-13 (Reader: Den Pluimer)
Today’s Message: “It’s A New Day!” (Pastor Steve)

6:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Offering: Bible League
Scripture Reading: Jude 1-25
Message: “When the Going Gets Tough…” (Pastor Steve )

WORSHIP NOTES

The Lord be with you today! Welcome to Unity and the house of God for worship! This church is about the saving work of Jesus Christ making all things new. In our brokenness and faults we come today knowing that God is not done with us yet. God is doing a new thing and our ascended Lord seals this newness in each one. Come and worship. Come and listen. Come and be healed. Come and be new today!

This morning’s message comes in light of the church calendar marking Ascension Day, the day our Lord ascended victoriously into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God with all authority and power. Christ’s ascension is more than just a historic act that the church celebrates. Christ, now seated in the place of honor and authority, releases a new thing and new day in the hearts and lives of His people because He is risen and He is ascended to the throne as King. The impact is not only in the spiritual realm or somewhere in eternity. It is right here, right now, right in this place, today! Come and worship the King today!

This morning we celebrate our victorious King by remembering the incredible sacrifice of His life for us. Our communion celebration, while remembering the somber events of Good Friday, will point beyond the cross and grave to the heavens, to the throne of Jesus, the Lord our Savior and victorious King. If you are perfect, please do not come to the table today. But if you are someone who is sinful and broken, in need of a Savior, and if you have declared Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and are committed to serving Him, please come to the table today. Eat, drink, remember and believe, the King lives and so shall you!

This evening we will reflect on the Kingship of Christ as it impacts the final days before his return. The little book of Jude reminds us that in the last days times will get tough, especially in the church. There are many bent on undoing the Kingship of Christ in the church universal today. Come tonight to be challenged and encouraged in these last days to be children of the King, victorious children and inheritors of life forever.

NIGHT VISION tonight! 8:30pm – a great way to close the day in worship!

You probably have noticed a different drum set in the front of church. This used "jazz drum set" was recently purchased at a very good price. Someone from our congregation paid a generous amount for our used set and outside funds collected to support Night Vision worship made up most of the difference. This newer drum set has a softer, smoother sound than our existing set and will fit nicely with our worship structure at Unity.

THIS WEEK AT UNITY

Monday: 7:00pm Council Meeting
Tuesday: 8:00am Worship Planning Team Meeting
Wednesday: 7:00pm Youth Group 10th - 12th meet at Church
Wednesday: 7:00pm Profession of Faith Meetings

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Global Prayer for a Greater Pentecost

If you have not already joined us in praying for a great outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, we invite you to begin praying with us and millions of people all around the world for the next seven days. Last week we gave out Ten-Day Prayer Guides that offer guidelines for praying for a greater Pentecost. Extras are available at the back of the sanctuary. Next Sunday, during our worship times we will link up with those praying around the world for God's power and presence. Please spend time this week in prayer, seeking God's face.

Profession of Faith

If you are interested in making Profession of Faith within the next couple of months please contact one of the pastors soon. We hope to meet with those interested and the Council on Wednesday evening, May 11th.

Care Group Monthly Potlucks

Want to get to know others in our church? Here's a great opportunity! Each month, a specific Unity Care Group (there are six) will have a potluck at church after the morning service. This potluck will be open to guests at Unity that morning to join with them. It's a great way to renew relationships of those in our church plus open the door for new connections. The next potluck is on May 15 (NEXT SUNDAY) for Care Group #5. A listing of the groups is in your Unity Handbook, available from the church office, or posted on the bulletin board as you come into church. You will also receive a postcard in the mail with specific instructions for your potluck. RSVP to Angela Zwart.

Advanced Notice

The 2005 Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul will be held October 21-22. Take some time to get away with friends or invite family to join you for this incredible time of refreshment. Twenty-five (25) tickets are available through Angela Zwart on a first-come basis.

Unity Childcare Bake Sale

Unity Childcare will be having a bake sale on Saturday, May 14, at Lisa Jarveis’ home. If you would like to donate any baked goods please drop them off at Unity Childcare on Friday, May 13. Proceeds from the bake sale will go towards purchasing new toys, games, and craft supplies.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Bridal Shower

You are cordially invited to an Open House Bridal Shower in honor of LaDonna Sandstede bride elect of Nick Freiborg. The shower will take place at Unity CRC on May 18th at 7:00 in the evening.

COMMUNITY & SURROUNDING AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bridal Shower

You are invited to an Open House Bridal Shower for Emily Swart, bride elect of Zach Gerdes, on Saturday, May 7 at 2:00pm at the First CRC Fellowship Hall.

CMCS Pops Concert

The CMCS Pops Concert will be held in the high school gym Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00pm. The concert choir will be performing songs from the 60’s as well as a variety of solos and ensembles. Pop and popcorn will be served. Come and enjoy a night of entertainment. All groups are under the direction of Michelle Mulder.

The World’s Biggest Baby Shower

Hope Pregnancy Center with the help of WNCB “The Refuge” (88.1/95.9FM)will be holding THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BABY SHOWER. The program raises funds for our center and provides new baby items that we can share with our new mothers who come to us for help. Please come to the Willmar Walmart parking lot on Saturday, May 14th from 8am - 2pm. Bring or buy baby items and help us try to fill a bus with provisions for this coming year. Thank you!

CMCS Spring Concert

Thursday, May 19, CMCS 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will present a Spring Concert in the high school gym at 7:30pm. The 5th and 6th grade choirs, 5th and 6th grade band, junior high band and choirs will be performing as well as various ensembles. We hope you will join us for a night of music. The groups are directed by Barb Swanson and Michelle Mulder.

CMCS Awards Day

Friday, May 20 is Awards Day at CMCS. Students in grades 7 - 12 will receive honors for sports participation and academic achievements. You are welcome to attend. The ceremony begins at 1:30pm in the high school gym.

ON CALL Presents

ROCK WORSHIP WORKSHOP FOR KIDS, grades 1 - 6. Sunday, May 22, 1:00pm ~ 7:00pm. A day of rocking and rehearsing with the On Call band. Concert at 7:00pm. Get a t-shirt, snacks, and dinner! It will be held at the First Covenant Church in Willmar. This is a fundraiser for On Call’s Guatemala Mission trip this summer. Cost of the workshop is $25.00. For reservations or more information, contact the Youth For Christ Office at 320-235-0119.

ON CALL Auditions

If you want to sing or play in a band - if you will be a sophomore, junior, or senior - if you want to be used by Christ - join ON CALL. Auditions are May 23 - 27th. Call the YFC office for more information and an appointment.

CMCS Graduation Ceremony

Central Minnesota Christian and the Class of ‘05 invite you to their graduation ceremony on Friday, May 27 at 7:00pm in the high school gym. Guest speaker will be Chaplain Curt Roelofs a 1961 graduate of CMCS.

Dordt College’s 50th Anniversary

A 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on the campus of Dordt College in Sioux Center on July 1-3. Everyone is invited to attend events throughout the weekend, including music and theater performances, youth and alumni intramural sports, socials, food, art, a parade, fireworks and more. Most events are free, but some require pre-registration or minimal fees. For additional details or to register, call for a brochure at 1-800-343-6738 (extension #3) or visit www.dordt.edu/events/jubilee/

Vacation Bible School

Let’s go on a Safari Adventure, June 6-10 at First CRC in Prinsburg, as in the past it will be held in the evening. Children are invited to attend Vacation Bible School. Your prayers are appreciated, ask God to bring children to hear about Jesus, our King and Savior. Ask God to provide willing helpers, eager to share His love in Jesus.

Lake Geneva Christian Reformed Family Conference

Mark your calendars now and PLAN TO ATTEND the Lake Geneva Christian Reformed Family Conference to be held at Alexandria, Minnesota on August 8 - 11, 2005. Join with us as we celebrate our twenty–second year of conferences. Dr. Carl Bremer from Primary Focus and Evangelist Verlyn Schaap from Sargeant Bluff, IA will be the keynote speakers. A concert is scheduled for Wednesday evening. There are scheduled activities for children, preschool through high school age. Watch for a registration announcement in your bulletin at a later date. Bring your family - invite your friends - plan to be challenged and inspired.

May is Mental Health Month

MIND Your Heath - Mental Health and physical health go hand in hand. Caring for your mind, as well as your body, is good for your overall health and key to your success at home, at work, and at school. Mental health problems are real, common, and treatable. Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders, are as treatable as many physical illnesses. Woodland Centers provides services for a six-county area: Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Renville, and Swift Counties. Call Woodland Centers at 1-800-992-1716.

2005 "Helping Hands" Mission Trip Report

Many lives were touched on this year's "Helping Hands" Mission Trip. Not only the lives of the people we helped in Mississippi, but also the lives of the students who offered their services to the needy. The centerpiece of our trip was and always is time spent dwelling on the truths of the Word of God. I was privileged to see the lives of our kids being touched through this experience. Please pray that the seeds planted will continue to sprout and grow greatly. Our group is very grateful to you for your prayers, food donations and generous monetary support. Your response to our requests was overwhelming, and we could not have proceeded with this trip without your contributions. The Lord blessed us tremendously this year with great results, both earthly and spiritual. On behalf of the entire group, we thank you so much for your love and support! - Duane Bonnema & the "Helping Hands" Group