Sunday, January 31, 2010

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday:

5:30pm: Cadet Sunday at First CRC

Monday:

6:30pm: Worship Planning Team

7:00pm: Friendship Class, at Willmar CRC

          Lesson 3, Lunch: Ruby & Helene

 

Wednesday:

7:00pm: 9th - 12th SRYG at the Rock

 

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):

9:00am: Missions Prayer Time

9:00am: 2nd - 12th Sunday School

10:00am: Worship

 

           MARK YOUR CALENDAR

February 14: 

Mission Emphasis Sunday at Unity

 

March 28:

The Valley Male Chorus from NW Iowa, 10am morning worship at Unity

 

Family Fun Night

Please join us Saturday, February 13th at 6:30pm for a fun family night at the CMCS elementary gym. The lunchroom will be available for anyone wanting to play board games.  Please bring a small snack to share. Lemonade will be provided.  Remember your gym shoes.  Contact Natalie Vander Beek with any questions.

 

High School Small Group

We're back at Unity this week.  Session 6 "The Difference Between Love and Sex"  Make plans to attend -  TONIGHT at  7:00pm.   See you there!  (contact Sara Jouwstra with any questions)

 

Unity Update

The Unity update will come out in February. Please turn all your articles in to Jennifer Breems by February 8th!

 

Remember in PRAYER

Chuck & Sandy & family. Josiah was able to return home this week but is scheduled to go back for surgery in a couple of weeks.  Congratulations to the family with the arrival of their new daughter, Chelda, who arrived safely on Monday.  Pray for the new adventure and adjustments that will be taking place in the weeks to come.

 

Bob H was admitted to a hospital in Virginia, this past week with an irregular heartbeat.  Doctors were able to correct it and Bob was discharged by week's end.

 

 

Sue D experienced heart attack symptoms again related to her previous attack.  Doctors feel her long-term prognosis looks good but she could experience some of these spells in the short term until the heart adjusts.  Pray for strength and healing.

 

James N continues to recover.  The prayer is that by mid-week he will be well enough to be transferred to a local facility for continued rehab and therapy.  The boys, continue to be cared for by James' brother & family.  Give thanks for healing and care provided for this family.

 

Pastor Steve will be attending the Desiring God Pastor's Conference with John Piper in Minneapolis this week Monday-Wednesday, returning to the office Thursday morning.  To learn more about this conference, check it out at: http://www.desiringgod.org/Events/PastorsConferences/Archives/2010/.  This year's theme: "The Pastor, The People, and The Pursuit of Joy".

 

Remember in PRAYER cont...

 

David P continues to receive care following a difficult couple of weeks.  Pray for him and his family as they seek answers and need strength in this time.

 

Children of the Promise continues to face the challenge of connecting adopted children with their families in the States and at the same time receiving new orphans in the wake of the earthquakes.  Pray for Bud & Jan, Jamie & Jenny, and the entire staff and volunteers during this tragic and transformational time.

 

Remember in your prayers Becky M, Maria Nonweiler's mother, as she will be traveling to the United States this week and will be staying with family and friends for the next two months.  Pray that this visit is a time of healing and encouragement for her.

 

Lift up in prayer Wendell and Shirley throughout the week as they continue the journey toward strength and recovery.  Shirley continues to receive care in Willmar.

 

Thank You

The family of Wilbert Ahrenholz would like to thank each of you for the expressions of love shared with them as they experienced the death and celebration of dad's life.  Each word spoken or written, the flowers, plants, and memorials given, food abundantly shared, and hugs received were a blessings to us. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. "May you receive His blessings as you have generously blessed us.

 

THANK YOU!

To all the volunteers that helped throughout the weekend to minister to hundreds who came to remember Maria.  To all the servers, food preparers, ushers, musicians, sound and tech people, office personnel, elders and deacons, fellowship team, nursery team, and others who lent a helping hand - many people were blessed, many came to know the Lord at the funeral, and over 45 sites around the world were able to view the service together, including Maria's family in the Philippines.  Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 

Unity, Community & CRC Bulletin Announcements

 

DIRECTORY PICTURES

We would like to get the pictures taken for our new Church Directory during the month of February.  We plan to take these pictures after church the next three Sunday mornings starting next Sunday, February 7. Volunteers from church will snap the photos and since this should go very quickly, we will not schedule any times. Please find the spots where pictures are being taken and take your turn. Someone will let those who are visiting over coffee know when the photographers are waiting for people.  If you have a digital camera and are willing to help take pictures please contact April. You also have the option of furnishing your own picture which a number of members have already done. These pictures should be given, or-emailed to April. 

 

Ski Trip: Open to the Whole Church!

The Solid Rock Ski Trip was postponed until Saturday, February 20th to Afton Alps (SE of the Twin Cities).  Everyone (adults and kids) are invited!  It will be an all day event and cost $50 (less if you own your own equipment) plus one meal "on the road".  We usually set up camp in a chalet and have lunch and snacks and card games available.  If you are interested in going please contact Trapper or April Swierenga so we can get an accurate group size and arrange for transportation and food. Youth Group members also let them know if you are planning on going!!

 

 

From Back to God Ministries International

 

PRAYER REQUEST - Praise God for the distribution of 8,000 special Christmas Cada Dia (Spanish Today) devotional booklets through churches in Cuba. Pray that this evangelism tool will help disciple many people in this country where Christian literature is difficult to obtain.

BACK TO GOD HOUR - Why isn't my Christian life more dynamic? Do you experience a gnawing, frustrating feeling that your Christian life should be more fruitful, more dynamic? If so, what can you do about that? Find out on the February 7th Back to God Hour. Go to www.BacktoGod.net for local stations and times.

 

KIDS CORNER - Debt valley: Liz is in huge trouble! He borrowed money from Skink and can't pay him back. Help Liz figure out what to do on this week's Kids Corner. Kids Corner is a member of the HisKids.net alliance--working together to provide quality entertainment for kids that is Christ-centered and Bible-based. Visit HisKids.net to find great Christian programs and music for kids

 

From CRC Communications

 

www.crcna.org/Haiti - This CRC "Help Haiti" page has the latest news, donation links, and background about our 30+ years of ministry as a denomination in Haiti. You can also follow developments at www.facebook.com/crcna or www.twitter.com/crcna.

 

Unity's Prayer Chain

If you are not already a participant in the Prayer Chain NOW is a good time to sign up. The Prayer Chain quickly communicates urgent concerns for prayer during the week to Unity households willing to pray.  If you wish to be a part of this ministry phone Kerry Breems. If you currently receive prayer requests by phone consider switching to email notification.  The advantages of email:

A) you never miss getting the message

B) you are not responsible to pass the message along.

 

CMCS Mission Trip Fundraiser

The Mission Trip students from C.M.C.S. will begin selling Butter Braids this week.  These are a delicious homemade frozen pastry loaf that you let rise, bake, and ENJOY!  They come in the following flavors:  Cinnamon, Apple, Cream Cheese, Raspberry,  Blueberry- Cr Cheese, Strawberry-Cr Cheese, and Caramel rolls.  They sell for $10 each.  And will be delivered in the beginning of March.  Students in your church include Unity  Shara Leininger  Brett Jouwstra  Jeff Negen. Please contact them to order your Butter Braids.  THANKS for your support of the mission trip. If anyone has questions, please contact CMCS at 978-8700.  Thanks everyone and blessings to you all!

 

"The Handicapper General"

The Central Minnesota Christian School One Act Team's performance of "The Handicapper General" has been postponed to Tuesday, February 2 at 7:30 PM in the CMCS high school gym.  "In the year 2081 everyone is finally equal.  And if they are not, the Handicapper General equips them with devices to make sure they are."  Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Join us for this thought provoking performance!

Annual MN West Pinewood Derby

The Annual MN West (Prinsburg, Raymond, and Willmar Cadet Clubs) Pinewood Derby and Barbeque Supper will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at the CMCS high school gym. The barbeque supper will be served from 5:00-7:00pm. A free will donation for the MN West Cadet Council will be taken. The races start at 7:00pm. Concessions will be available during the races. Everyone is invited for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship!