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November 29, 2009
Last Christmas, many Central Wesleyan families had the opportunity to adopt and deliver Christmas gifts to struggling families. The adopted families provided lists of desired gifts. Many of us visited our adopted families on Christmas Eve, and the spirit of Christmas was present as this opportunity enriched the lives of both the adopted families and our Central families. We have such wonderful, generous people in our church who desire to help others.
I've noticed something the last few years: children, of course, were excited at the sight of the colorfully wrapped presents. The mothers were gracious to greet their beneficiaries, but seemed to be a bit reserved. If there was a father in the home, he simply vanished. At first sight of the gift-bearers, he disappeared out the back door. Though the children were ecstatic, the parents were struggling with a loss of pride. The mothers would endure this indignity for the sake of their children, but it was often more than the fathers could take. In their own homes, their failure as providers was exposed before their children. It was destorying what shreds of pride they were managing to hold on to.
Central Wesleyan, we can help strengthen families and preserve the parents' dignity! The Christmas Store is intended to give families in our community an opportunity to purchase new gifts for their families. Prices of gifts are significantly reduced—nothing will be more than $2. Both parents and kids will be able to shop for each other, then spend quality time together through various experiences designed to bring them closer together as a family and create memories.
The reality is, our community is not entirely made up of people who are able to provide gifts for their families, and simply giving gifts doesn't help people help themselves. So, how do you get involved?
1. Donate a gift through Dec. 10! We need 1,000 gifts. Pick up a Gift Suggestion Card and find out how to sponsor a toy drive.
2. Volunteer! Many volunteers are needed.
3. Give a financial gift!
Visit the Christmas Plunge table in the Main Lobby on Sunday to help out with any of the above, or contact Chris at 395.3102 or
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with questions.
Adults
Reaching Higher, Sundays, 10:50 a.m.
Learn what the Bible teaches about money, trust, marriage, freedom and sin in Reaching Higher. People of all ages are welcome to attend on Sunday mornings, in room C165 at 10:50 a.m. to glean valuable teaching from the Bible.
9:15 Continued, Sundays, 10:50 a.m.
Do you desire to dig deeper into Sunday's sermon? Explore its practical applications and discuss them with others at this class! Join us in C161 at 10:50 a.m. to interact with other Christians while engaging in deeper fellowship and prayer.
Griffins Hockey Men's Night Out
Men, plan to see the Griffins on Saturday night, February 20! Invite a buddy, or bring your son or daughter (5th grade and older). Ride the shuttle with the group, or meet us at Van Andel Arena. Tickets will be available to purchase on Dec. 6 and 13 if you are looking for a fun stocking stuffer!
M&Ms Brunch, Dec. 8
Join us for a brunch on Tuesday, Dec. 8 in C167. Gayle Deur will continue to share about "Life Lessons from Women of the Bible—Mary." If you haven't been a part of M&Ms before, this would be a good morning to join with other moms of young children for fellowship and teaching. Check-in starts at 9:15 a.m.
M&Ms Mom's Morning Out, Dec. 15
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 15 for a "Mom's Morning Out" from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Cost is $5. Leave your child(ren) with our loving childcare workers and take 2 hours to go shopping or just sit and talk with your friends in Gathering Grounds.
Lifemates and Family Starters
Engaged and younger married couples, if you haven't been a part of this Sunday Community Group, you're missing out on a lot of fun, fellowship and great teaching. Join us for our annual Christmas party on Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. in C166. We'll bring in the season with great food and Dirty Bingo! For more info, call Cathy at 395.3113.
Celebrating God Moments
Come create an album of your spiritual heritage. Bring a journal, photos or laptop, and put ideas together. We meet the first Thursday of the month from 6-9 p.m. in Gathering Grounds. Dates are: Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4 & Mar. 4. For more info, call Teressa at 269.561.6531.
Deepr Roots, Sundays, 10:50 a.m.
Deeper Roots is a group for all ages eager to participate in spirited discussions regarding the principles laid out in God's Word. We meet in C167 at 10:50 a.m.
Kid Central
Kid Central Birthday Party for Jesus, December 6, 5-7 p.m.
Invite a family to celebrate Jesus' birthday by enjoying Candy Cane Crafts, Galactic Games, Fabulous Photos (bring your own camera!) and Christian musical ventriloquist, Mark Thompson. Experience the Christmas story in the Silent Night of Worship room, and don't forget to have a piece of birthday cake! All kids through 5th grade and their families are invited to this FREE event!
Students
High School Leaders Meeting, Dec. 6
High school student and adult leaders, there is a meeting Dec. 6, 12:15-3 p.m. in the Block. Lunch will be provided!
LoveMercy
High school and middle school students, your $85 and your registration form for the LoveMercy Wesleyan Youth Convention are due this Sunday, Nov. 29. Please turn them in to the Student Ministries Office. Checks can be made out to Central Wesleyan Church.
H3 (Helping the Hungry & Homeless)
Thank you to everyone who made H3 this year a huge success! 40 middle school students and leaders spent the night in cardboard boxes and brought in a truckload of donations to the Holland Rescue Mission. High school and middle school students and leaders also raise $1,789.75 for the Holland Rescue Mission!
General
Karis Prayer Request
One of our missionaries working among the Muslim Karis people in Central Asia has been educating them about anti-trafficking. They are trying to join with other groups in the country to help prevent the trafficking of people and offer a way to help those who are rescued. Pray for this special ministry in Central Asia.
Peter Williams Seminar Notes
If you are interested in the notes from the recent Peter Williams seminar, they have been posted on our website here.
Perspectives Class
Your next step after World Impact might be to take the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class Jan. 4-April 26. This 16-week class, held on Monday evenings, will help you understand your call and part within God's ageless plan. Hear from a different speaker each week. Register at perspectives.org, or get a brochure in the Main Lobby on Sundays.
Offering Envelopes
If you are not currently receiving offering envelopes and would like to, please email the
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. Offering envelopes are a great way to record your giving more efficiently.
Morning Service CDs Available!
If you really enjoyed any of the morning sermons, there are CDs made and available for purchase immediately following the service! If you'd like one, please go to the library, located through Gathering Grounds, and we'll make sure you get one!
Noël: A Holiday Musical Experience with Wintley Phipps, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.
Come experience a holiday show you'll never forget! Hear all of your seasonal favorites performed by Wintley Phipps and a 200+ community choir and orchestra. Wintley's powerful, passionate vocals and captivating arrangements are just the way to welcome Christmas this year. This event is FREE!
Celebrate What God Has Done!
Last year we took on a project to translate the "Jesus" film into the Wa language of Ghana, purchase projection equipment and support a team for one year. Last year we raised the money and sent out the team, who have reported that there are an average of over 15 converts per day and that 900 people have been added to the church. We continue to support this team as they prepare to begin their second year of ministry. Praise the Lord! Now we have a new opportunity to make a world of difference for a village of over 1,000 in Africa. Our challenge is to raise $50,000 each year for 3 years to help bring a holistic transformation to the village of Bombali Bana in Sierra Leone. We will work with the local people to assist in food security, health, education, economics and spiritual life. An assessment team is going to Sierra Leone in January to meet with the local leadership and determine the best way to partner together. Your contributions to Faith Promise Giving make this possible!
Women's Missionary Fellowship meets this Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 1-3 p.m. in D201. We need baby fabric for baby gowns and quilts. Please call Pat Feuerstein at 394.9197 for more information.
Gathering Grounds Position
We a shift supervisor at Gathering Grounds for a few hours during the week. Responsibilities include: ensuring we are following health regulations and assisting volunteers. This is a paid position and a great way to meet people! Please call 395.3092 for more information.
Serving Opportunities
Breakfast with baby, Dec. 12
Join us for this wonderful opportunity to show God's love to mothers and families in our community! If you'd like to volunteer, come to the Gym by 9 a.m. that day. If you have questions, please contact Linda at 395.3085.
More Singers Needed!
It's not too late to join the Christmas choir and sing with Wintley Phipps in Noël, our Christmas event Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Rehearsals are 7-9 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 17. If you want to be part of this celebration, please call Karen at 395.3116 or email us at
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.
Christmas Plunge, Dec. 12
Want to help a family this Christmas? We want to provide a meaningful Christmas for families in our community through gifts, donations and time. We'd love your help donating funds, giving Christmas gifts, wrapping presents, singing, shopping, baking and more! You can get more info at the Influence kiosk in the Main Lobby, or call Chris at 395.3102.
Do you like to be creative?
Then we need you in our Marcom (Marketing & Communications) Department! We'd love volunteers who are interested in graphic design, photography, writing or any other creative discipline to get involved. For more info, contact
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.
Family News
Dealing with a serious or long-term illness: Lisa VanderZwaag, Mel Kirklin, Jim Oonk, Leon Rithamel, Connie Jordan, Margaret Gonder, Eleanor Hills, Sue Wathne, Dean Parrott, Sandy DeWys, John DeWys, Linda Kars, Nellie Timmer, Loie VanDis, Laura Stannis, Anne Chamberlin, Michelle Bosman and Andrew DeWitt.
Recovering: Mark Hepinstall, John Zoodsma, Paul Johnson, Ray Biziorek, Marlee (VanRhee) Foley, John Wells, Don Todd and Zach Hurley.
Birth Announcements: Everett Allan born to Paul and Kristin Van Dyke (grandparents are Bob and Jan Van Dyke).
We extend our sympathy to: the family of Isabelle Kleis; Mike (Jeanne) Jaeger on the death of his mother, Margaret Jaeger.
For The Record
November 22, 2009
Attendance
Morning Worship 2,702
Community Groups 805
Small Groups 550
General Budget
Received Last Week $68,100
Weekly Need $82,158
Received Since 6/09 $1,965,200
Need Since 6/09 $2,038,100
Benevolence
Received Last Week $7,800
Faith Promise for Missions
Received Last Week $11,600
Received Since 6/09 $298,400
Need Since 6/09 $323,500
(RE)NEW Stewardship Challenge
Received Last Week $13,600
Received Since 6/09 $359,600
External Debt
May 2009 Debt $1,200,000
July 2001 Peak Debt $9,462,000
Current Debt $767,500
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