October 22, 2006

We have come to this place today to approach the throne of God, where we find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Because Jesus, the Son of God, was tempted in every way but never sinned, he became for us the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice, and has granted us access to approach God, the Holy One and worship Him.

Guest Preaching

This morning, we welcome to our church, Dr. Joy Bonnema, associate professor of biology at Calvin College and a member of the preaching team at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She brings to us an essential message on the power of the cross to set us free from the wounds that sin brings into our lives. Joy is the daughter of Den & Sheri Pluimer, and the sister of Mike Pluimer. We give thanks to God for Joy’s willingness to use her gifts and minister among us.

Pastor Steve is preaching and leading the celebration of baptism at Raymond Christian Reformed Church today.

The Weekly Calendar

The Monthly Church Calendar can be viewed at www.unitycrc.org/calendar

Today (4th Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship

Children ages 3-preK and in K-1st grade will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Tuesday:
9:30am: Ladies’ Bible Study
7:00pm: Ladies’ Jail Ministry

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry
7:00pm: Youth Group Grades 9-12 Parents’ Night
7:00pm: Dave Ramsey FPU

Next Sunday (5th Sunday):
8:45am: Children’s Choir 2nd - 5th
9:00am: Sunday School 6th - 12th
9:15am: Sunday School 2nd - 5th
9:30am: Children’s Choir 3 years - 1st grade
10:00am: Morning Worship
6:30pm: Reformation Day Worship at Bethany Reformed Church

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, November 22

Thanksgiving Eve Service - 7:00pm

Saturday, December 16 - 7:00pm
Sunday, December 17 - 5:00pm

“Open Hearts in Bethlehem” Christmas Program

Sunday, December 24

Christmas Eve Service - 5:00pm

Unity Church Ministry Opportunities

College Care Packages

It is time to remind our college students that we love them! Care packages will be mailed on Monday, October 30. If you would like to bake something to include, let Wendy Fisher know and bring your goodies on Sunday, October 29. Parents, please verify that we have your student’s correct address this week if you have not already submitted it to the office.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner - Sunday, November 5

Please return your response to the box in the Fellowship Area today. All the details were in church mailboxes last week. If you did not get one, you may pick one up by the box (and fill it out and return it right away). Next Sunday you will receive further instructions.

Wednesday Night Men’s Group

Our next meeting will be November 1 at the Hoekstra’s. Any guy is welcome to join us. Our goal is to have the book, Wild at Heart, read by that meeting. If you need a copy, you may get one from the church office.

Adult Education Sunday Schedule

There is no Adult Sunday School next week. The class will meet again on Sunday, November 12 at 8:45 am. Join us then as we continue our journey of exploring the universe and its origins from both a biblical and a scientific perspective. The complete schedule for Adult Education is available online at www.unitycrc.org/adulted.

Youth Group Parent’s Night

Parents of 9th-12th graders, you are invited to join us at Youth Group this week! Wednesday, October 25 is Parent's Night at Youth Group. We will begin at 6:30 pm, and be done around 9:00 pm. We guarantee you’ll love it.

Worship Team Commissioning

Next Sunday, October 29, as part of our focus on Worship and Celebration, we will be commissioning the members of our church who use their gifts by leading us in worship each week.

Ladies Night Out!

Friday, November 3 at 6:30 pm, come to Unity to be pampered. Enjoy a Relaxation Spa by Beauti Control. Feast on samples from Tastefully Simple; and then watch a movie with your girlfriends! Bring your pillows, blankets, and your favorite slippers for a RELAXING evening! Sorry ladies, this is only for you - no kids allowed. Sign up today in the back of church. For more information call April Swierenga or Heather Nett!

Pampered Chef Bridal Shower

A bridal shower will be held for Renae Post, bride-to-be of Corey Van Stelten, at Unity Church on Saturday, October 28 from 1-3 pm. You are welcome to bring a gift if you have something else in mind, but you are invited to purchase a Pampered Chef gift for her which she will benefit from as the hostess. If you have any questions, you may call Lyndsey Post, Pampered Chef Consultant.

JAIL and PRISON MINISTRY

Then the King will say… “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you... For I was in prison and you came to me.” … And the righteous will reply… “When did we see you in prison and visit you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did to me.” Matthew 25:34-40

Did You Know?

• 34% of the Inmates at St Cloud say they have no religious preference, and 53% say they are Christian.


• Since 2004, Kandiyohi County Jail has housed an average of 152.5 inmates per day.

Bible Studies at Kandiyohi County Jail

Tuesday Nights 7:00pm - Women’s Wednesday Nights 7:00pm - Men’s

Worship Services at St. Cloud Penitentiary

3rd Sundays of February, May, August, and November

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners…” Hebrews 13:3

Community Announcements

Celebrate Home for the Holidays Celebrate all the holidays with the Table Setting & Quilt Display at First Covenant Church on Saturday, October 28 from 9am -1pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at Cash Wise, United Way, Cub Foods, Good News Book Store, First Covenant Church, or at the door. Uniquely and beautifully decorated tables, quilts, and other seasonal items will be on display. Holiday foods and beverages will be available for your tasting experience.

Annual Reformation Day Service
The annual Reformation Service for area CRC/RCA churches will be held October 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Bethany is in charge of the service this year and invites you to a time of celebration in music and praise, prayer, and preaching as well as fellowship and refreshments afterward. The Hand Bell Choir will begin performing at 6:10 before the Reformation Service begins. Everyone is welcome to come early and hear them play. Bethany is located at 222 North Main Street.

Senior Citizens
Our November meeting will be held at the community center on Thursday, November 2. We will have a catered Thanksgiving dinner at 11:30. Please call in your reservation for the dinner if you have not already done so. The cost will be $5.00/person. After our noon lunch Gil Nelson will display some of his 3-D wood carvings and explain a bit about this unique work. Later it will be games and cards. REMEMBER to call in your reservation to Ardy Zondervan.

THANK-YOU FROM FRIENDSHIP

Friendship Bible Ministries is off to a good start. We have 54 students and 28 Mentors for Monday night and 72 students and 26 Mentors for Tuesday night. Laura Hoekstra and Marianne Koning are leading our group lesson. We are looking forward to our 7th annual Retreat. We want to thank all who participated in our 4th annual Disability Awareness Sunday. We hope all who attended were blessed and challenged. We thank you for blessing Friendship Ministries with an offering of $967.00. Please feel welcomed to come and visit our classes anytime. -- Friendship Board and Friends.