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December 25, 2011
At the September Prayer Shawl meeting, Sherma, who loves to make baby blankets, gave me two bags of baby shawls. That evening, I received a phone call from a young man who had just been to the Family Christian Book Store and had bought the "Prayer Shawl Ponderings" devotion book. He called to ask if he could buy two baby prayer shawls for his newborn twin boys who were in the intensive care nursery. "I want to put them over the things that the babies are laying in," he said. I told him we did not sell the shawls, but I would get them for him.
I looked through the shawls that Sherma had given me earlier that day, and I found two blue blankets. I called the father back and told him I had shawls for them. Both parents stopped by our house and picked up the shawls and again offered to buy them. I reassured them that they did not need to pay for them, and when I told them that the person making the shawls had prayed while she made them, they were very happy to hear that. They then told me they would take a picture of the babies with the shawls and send it to me.
We have no idea if these people belong to a church, but they felt a need to have prayer shawls for their babies. We don't always know how our prayer shawls may be used, but we are always glad to be able to supply them. Most of the baby blankets we make are given to Breakfast with Baby families. Sherma, who made the shawls, said, "I never thought that the babies I made the blankets for might not be healthy." But each time make a prayer shawl or blanket, we prayerfully choose our yarn and pattern and then pray as we knit or crochet the shawl. Our prayers are for the person who will receive the shawl and whatever situation theya re in. Though we don't know the circumstances, God always knows who the shawl will go to and what the situation is.
It is a blessing that we are able to be God's hands and feet in this way, and that we are able to reach out to hurting people through our prayer shawls. These shawls are a tangible representation of the prayers that are being said for them.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the third Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in C164. If you are interested in using your gift in this way or if you know of someone who may be blessed by a prayer shawl, contact Jean at 616.335.7285 or Karen at 269.751.5263.
Karen Doolard
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Adults
Participating Membership Class
Join Pastor Paul for this class on Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. in D201. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Central Wesleyan Church and what unites us as a church family. This class is a prerequisite for membership. To sign up call Joey at 616.395.3127, or sign up online.
The Vessel
In a country where seven of the top 10 causes of death or related to poor lifestyle choices, Christians are not able to optimally live out their lives according to God's purpose. We are fatigued, depressed and falling ill due to chronic lifestyle diseases. Join Dr. Ryan Bentley for a four-week class based on biblical principles that will allow you to live a more healthy life. We meet Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. beginning January 11 in C167. For more info, contact Judy at 616.395.3113 or jzivick@centralwesleyan.org.
Lifemates Community Group
Young married and engaged couples, join us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in A244 starting January 8 as Traci and Robb VanderKamp use humor and wisdom to speak on the topic of marriage. You won't want to miss it! For more info, contact Judy at 616.395.3113 or jzivick@centralwesleyan.org.
A Heart Like His, by Beth Moore
Clausene Carlson will be teaching Beth Moore's in-depth study on David, A Heart Like His. David was a man loved and anointed by God, and his life serves as an example—both good and bad—for Christians in every time and place. This study draws spiritual insight and understanding from a man who slayed a giant and saved a kingdom. There are 11 group sessions, on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. beginning January 8 in C166. Cost is $25. For more info, contact Judy at 616.395.3113 or jzivick@centralwesleyan.org.
H4SA Workshop
Hope 4 the Single Again is a workshop for those going through divorce, separation or relationship break-up. It's a time of practical, biblical teaching and small group interaction. Subjects covered are: anger, guilt, fear, forgiveness, contentment and making new memories. Our next workshop will take place January 13 (evening) and January 14. Cost is $25. Call 616.395.3109 or register online.
Higher Ground
As we consider the condition of our world and the anxiety we face, it is clear there has never been a better time to dig into God's Word. We'll seek to know Him and His plans for us in a deeply meaningful way. Carl Beridon leads this class on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. beginning January 11 in C165. For more info, contact Judy at 616.395.3113 or jzivick@centralwesleyan.org.
Marriage Prep Class, March 10
Getting married here at Central? Join us for our next Marriage Prep Class on Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. If you are getting married by a Central Wesleyan pastor this spring or summer, this class is required. This is an excellent opportunity to grow in preparation for marriage and to connect with other couples. The cost is $25 and lunch is included.
ReachOUT Community Group
On Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in A255, we'll look at Scripture that supports our mission statement of, "reaching Holland and beyond." We'll discuss social justice issues such as: poverty, multi-ethnic churches and empowering our community through relationship with Jesus Christ. What kind of neighbors are we? Let's discuss God's invitation for us to be great neighbors! Taught by Chris Hofland and guest speakers beginning January 8.
Kid Central
Parent Commitment Services
February 5 & May 6, 2012
This very special service is designed to help you with your commitment to raise your child toward a relationship with Jesus. We encourage you to dedicate your children to the Lord, much as Hannah did with Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:27-28. Register online, or call Debbie at 616.395.3084.
Summer in January
Sunday, January 22, 9:15 & 11 a.m.
1st-5th graders, join us for fun games, music and a special snack. Wear your funniest, cutest or craziest summer clothes! There will be prizes for creativity!
Students
Christmas Break
High school and middle school will not be meeting on December 25, 28 & January 1 due to Christmas break. Merry Christmas!
General
Sunday Offerings
The most common way people give is by designating it and placing it in the offering on Sundays. However, the most efficient way to designate giving is by using an offering envelope. If you do not currently have personalized offering envelopes, which helps us with internal controls and efficiency, email the Business Office at bo@centralwesleyan.org to request yours.
Online Giving
This is the fastest and most secure way to give at Central Wesleyan. Nearly 20% of weekly giving is now done online. To give online, go here. You'll need to set up a profile the first time, but after that it is easy to schedule and designate future giving just by logging on.
Retirement Account Distributions
Congress just passed an extension for 2010 and 2011 to allow those who are 70+ years old to make distributions directly from retirement accounts to the church, and thus avoiding taxes on these gifts. These direct gifts also count toward required distribution totals.
Stocks & Bonds
Appreciated stock and non-government bonds can be given to the church as well. The donor will receive giving credit for the market value of the gift and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated value (if they have been held for at least one year).
Short-Term Missions Teams
To get more information about this team and other short-term missions teams, check them out online.
Bombali Bana Gifts
Want to do more than shop for your friends and family this Christmas? You can give an important gift to the people of Bombali Bana this year. Check out this page for ideas and pricing.
Lose Something?
Please check the lost and found cabinet located in the Gym by the kitchen. If it was an expensive item (cell phone, expensive jewelry, keys, etc.) please contact Facilities at 616.395.3092.
Serve
Facilities Pew Clean-Up Opportunity
Facilities is looking for volunteers who are interested in coming in on Sunday mornings immediately following the second service to go through the pews and gather the Friendship Pad sheets and any other loose papers. Feel free to bring your kids to help! If you're interested, please call 616.395.3092.
Family News
Eric and Renee Fogg move to Ecuador this week to begin their missions work with HCJB Global. Pray for them and their children as they make this move and begin ministry. Your Faith Giving offerings help support the Fogg family.
Dealing with a serious or long-term illness: Mike Boerman, Michelle Bosman, John Boersema, Jim Bruursema, John DeWys, Sandy DeWys, Craig Ellison, Mindi Fierro, Diane Grossi, Marie Johnson, Linda Kars, Joy Kirklin, Mel Kirklin, Jodi Lokker, Ron Mast, Wanda Maxey, Janice Mullins, Don Shields, Bea Stitt, Rich Valk, Shirley Valk, Lisa VanderZwaag and Loie VanDis.
Recovering: Michelle August, Mike Boerman, Yvonne Bos, Linda Cook, Dave Dekker, Wilma DeVries, Harold Diemer, Dot Dyk, Jayne Elzinga, Mindi Fierro, Dan Heiberg, Rod Hunderman, Randine Johnson, Sherry Kempkers, Kyle Kender, Kristy Lacy, Jodi Lokker, Phyllis Looman, Cindi Mass, Lois McLachlan, Wilma Overkamp, Jim Pelon, Rosemary Reidsma, Ella Regenerus, Steve Steggerda, Bea Stitt, Linda TenCate, Shirley Valk, Dean VandeBrake, Loie Van Dis, Linda VanRhee and Shelly Woodall.
For The Record
December 18, 2011
Attendance
Morning Worship 3,039
Community Groups 730
Small Groups 1,560
General Budget
Received Last Week $141,400
Received Since 6/11 $2,615,400
Weekly Need $92,700
Need Since 6/11 $2,689,500
Faith Giving
Received Last Week $21,200
Received Since 6/11 $457,900
Need Since 6/11 $443,000
Beyond
Received Last Week $11,900
Received Since 6/11 $304,900
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