September 6, 2009

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

Today (1st Sunday):

10:00am: Morning Worship

Monday:

Office's will be closed for Labor Day

4:45pm: Worship Planning

Wednesday:

7:00pm: 7th - 12th SRYG

          at the Rock on 8th

7:00pm: Men's Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (2nd Sunday):

10:00am: Worship

Prayer Corner

Please continue to remember those from our church family with ongoing needs:

Dorothy Ledeboer

Tony Negen

Joyce Marcus' father

Irene Bonnema

Mark Your Calendars!

*** Pastor Steve will be out of the office this week Thursday afternoon  - Saturday for his niece's wedding at Bunde this week.

Sunday School Kick-off

The Sunday School kick-off will be next Sunday, September 13th.  Grades 2nd-12th will begin before church at 9:00am.  K-1st Children's Church will be offered during the church service along with 3-PreK Children's Church. All classes will be served with donuts and juice on Kick-off Sunday.  We are still in need of teachers for 5-6th grade and 9-12th grade Sunday School.  We are also in need of more Children's Church teachers.  Please prayerfully consider serving in these areas.  You can contact Tracy if you are interested in teaching.  

Bob's Building: The date for the Wisconsin trip to help Bob Dykstra is set for the afternoon of September 24 to the 27th. Contact Chad Hoekstra if interested in going.

Worship In The Storm: Bethany Reformed Church would like to invite Unity CRC to an evening entitled, "Worship in the Storm."   The event will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30pm. There will be praise and prayer led by a team from Bethany and a team from Unity.  The evening will include testimonials from people who are willing to share their storms and how God has brought them through these storms.  Throughout the evening, there will also be Ministries of Music by local musicians.  Personally speaking, God blessed me through you as a congregation, in the midst of my storm.  Please accept this personal invitation for what promises to be a very special evening worshipping together.  Pam Knapper, Music & Worship Leader, Bethany Reformed.

Unity Church Announcements

General Fund Update

July Giving Budgeted $ 24,042.41

July Giving Actual       $ 20,488.67

July Shortfall/Surplus $  (3,553.74)

August Giving Budgeted       $ 24,042.41

August Giving Actual            $ 20,650.50

August Shortfall/Surplus       $  (3,391.91)

Prior Year Budget Shortfall/Surplus           $(22,528.67)

Year To Date Budget Shortfall/Surplus       $(6,945.65)

Total Shortfall through August 09             $(29,474.32)

Our Love & Sympathy

Our love & sympathy to Ben & Megan & family in the loss of Megan's grandfather, Clarence, last week. Funeral services were held this past Monday at 1st Church.

Our love & sympathy to Gar & Beth & family in the loss of Beth's father, Adrian, from Iowa this past Tuesday evening. Funeral services were held yesterday.

Baby Congratulations

Congratulations to Steven & Andrea in the birth of a beautiful baby, Jax this past Thursday. He was welcomed home by his big brothers.

Unity Family Cares & Concerns

*** Please pray for Shirley as she continues to convalesce at the nursing home in Willmar. You can read regular updates on her website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shirleybonnema

*** Please pray for Angela mother as she begins treatments this week.  You can read regular updates on her website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lhegeman

 *** Please pray for Hubert as he anticipates having outpatient surgery this Tuesday in Redwood Falls.

*** If you still have any of the Celebration Choir Music, Please return it to Shirley Marcus!

Administrative Notes

The Treasurer reported that we continue to have a shortfall in budget receipts and need more money!  We will be putting a summary of receipts in the bulletin each month to keep the congregation aware of the needs. 

** A huge "thank you" to all who participated in our 25th Anniversary/Dedication Celebration last weekend.  The efforts of all those who volunteered to help in various ways was very much appreciated!

** Classis Lake Superior will meet September 21 and 22 in Princeton.  Our delegates are Pastor Steve and Ben Taatjes.  The request of Jeff Fisher to be released from active ministry under Article 17 to pursue full-time study will be considered by Classis.  A grant of $2,000 to Jeff Fisher from the Unity Scholarship Fund (to be matched by Trinity Divinity School ) was approved.

** It was decided to put the vacant lot across the street from our church up for sale with part of the proceeds to be used for landscaping around the new building.  If you have any interest in purchasing this lot (or know of someone who is), please contact Bryan De Groot.

** A refresher session to review our Abuse Policy will be scheduled soon.  All those who work in various volunteer capacities within the church are required to sign their agreement to comply with the policy. 

** A seminar on small group participation and purpose with Larry Meyer is being scheduled for January 15 & 16.  A job description for Small Group Coordinator has been written and we will meet with possible volunteers to fill this position.

GEMS

The Prinsburg GEMS Club will have their fall kickoff meeting on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the First CRC Fellowship Hall.  They will be having their annual outdoor scavenger hunt with pizza and pop to follow.  All girls entering grades 2-8 are welcome.

CMCS Retreat

The 15th year of the high school retreat is here! Camp Koronis, near Payensville, September 18-20. We need your help!  Will you pray for this weekend?  Would you be willing to donate baked goods or snacks?  Please drop them off at the high school office September 17or 18.  We greatly need financial support to keep the cost affordable for the students! Contact CMCS if you are able to help.

MOPS

Attention ladies! You are invited to MOPS (mothers of preschoolers). MOPS is for all mothers with children from newborn through kindergarten. This years theme is: Together on Planet Mom. Come connect and see what is new! Don't have any preschoolers at home? You can still be involved with MOPS as a MOPPET worker. It is a ministry with countless rewards! MOPS meets September through April starting Wednesday, September 9th, 9:00am at Bunde CRC in rural Clara City. Childcare is subject to availability, so register soon! Call Becky.