Lamb or Lion? It has been a cold snowy winter and the long rides on Sunday and Tuesday evenings after youth meetings have been chilly. We are not only ready to have March come as a lamb, but to continue to put our trust in the “Lamb of God.” God has been GOOD!!
Our adventure to Guatemala was fantastic. After enduring weather in the 70’s for the week, it was hard to come home to another snowstorm. Because of weather, we were blessed with two extra days in Guatemala and some extra sightseeing. The whole trip was a “once in a lifetime” experience and blessings were flowing. Our team will be presenting a report to the Mt. Haley congregation on Sunday, March 16, in the morning Worship Service at 11:00 AM. Come and share in the blessings of the trip.
On Sunday, February 2, Pastor Jerry preached on Philippians 2 and spoke about our church’s upcoming mission trip to Guatemala, the recent death of his father, and our call to Christian living in our everyday lives. Listen in to this powerful message! And remember to pray for our Guatemala Team, which leaves this Thursday (February 6) and returns next Thursday (February 13)!
Brrrrrrr…..It’s COLD outside! But the Word of God warms our hearts as we count our blessings. It’s a big week for Connie and me as we lead our 7th Shack Attack Mission to Guatemala. The Guatemalan Team departs on Thursday, February 6 and returns to the US on Thursday, March 13th. We will NOT be having Youth Meetings during this week due to our mission, because we will be working with the hundreds of children in the community of the “Tracks” in Guatemala City. We will also be working on their Christian school, installing a school library, remodeling the pastor’s apartment and perhaps helping to install a new roof. PRAY for our team and we hope to bring fantastic stories of God’s blessings to share.
Today is the last day of 2013, and a new year is soon to dawn. In fact, I have a friend who lives in New Zealand, and at this moment she is already several hours into 2014! The future is always very nearly upon us.
At this time of year, we often look back on the year that has passed, and we consider what the upcoming year may hold. I invite you to take a few moments to reflect on the life of Mt. Haley Church of God with me.
We welcome the New Year 2014 as we count the BLESSINGS of 2013. We have grown spiritually and in youth numbers as we enter the New Year and it is awesome to know how much God loves and cares for us – each and every day. His BLESSINGS are so apparent and our appreciation of how he blesses us just continues to grow. Thank you God, thank you parents, thank you youth and thank you Mt. Haley Church of God. May we proclaim His Gospel!
We have shifted into HIGH GEAR and are off to a flying start of a new church & school year. We are meeting EVERY Sunday evening @ 6:00 and we want you there! Come join us for fellowship, fun, games, food, prayer and the Word of GOD. We are presently discussing & learning about the “Circle of Prayer” and its application of our daily life. 6th & 7th grade boys meet after school on Tuesday every week. With a new year, it’s important that you complete the 2013-2014 permission slip, which covers activities, trips, and van riding for the whole year. They were sent to everyone, but let us know if you need one. Thanks!
photo by arsheffield
Our quest to raise the funds for Winter Retreat in January and the International Youth Convention in Nashville next summer has begun. After a very successful Mum Sale, we are moving on to a “Baked Potato” supper on Wednesday, October 9th (next week) and a Gift Card sale in the latter half of October. Gift cards are easy and contribute a % of money for each one sold. They don’t have to be for gifts because you can purchase gas cards, grocery cards, haircut cards, restaurant cards, shopping cards and the list goes on. We all know items we will be purchasing – with the cards you just plan ahead and help the youth. Olive’s Yard is also going to need raking soon, plus we are tentatively selling Poinsettia’s & Wreaths for Christmas. Meanwhile, collect the pop cans & bottles; they bring in change to us in big ways.
We will be having a “Swimming Party” for all youth 6th grade – collegeon Sunday, October 13th @ 3:00 PM. The van will leave the church @ 2:30 PM. There will be food & games following the swimming @ church then regular Sunday night youth meeting. We will be going “Bowling” on November 16, packing “Community Thanksgiving” groceries on November 24 and a “Christmas Party” on December 15. There will be NO youth on Sunday, November 10th because Pastor Jerry & Connie will be attending their granddaughter’s baby dedication in Holland, MI.
We have two Big Events to register for in December. Winter Retreat is the weekend of January 10-12, 2014. A $50 registration is due to the state office by Wednesday, December 4th. To accommodatethat due date, we will need your $50 and confirmation of attendance by Sunday, November 30. Registration can take place after that date, but it costs more and the registrations are limited this year. Tommee Profitt will be the band along with Michael Thigpen as the speaker.
The second registration is the Early Bird Bonus Registration for the International Youth Convention in Nashville, TN on July 5–8, 2014. The cost is $115 and must be postmarked by December 12, 2013. Registration will continue, but the cost increases at different due dates. The Speakers, Worship Leaders and Christian Bands haven’t been announced but they will be “Big Names.” There will be many discussions about raising the funds for food, lodging and transportation.
The Guatemalan Team has been registered and they will begin monthly meetings in October. We have a team of 16 from 4 churches (mostly Mt. Haley) and will be going February 8–15, 2014. Thank you for your support.
We are anticipating a great year in the history of the Mt. Haley Youth Ministry. We want everyone to know that our ultimate desire is for each youth of Mt. Haley to accept and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow spiritually every day of his or her life. We have adapted seven spiritual growth principles (adapted from Andy Stanley) that we will work to develop in our youth. They are:
Authentic Faith: Are our kids trusting God with the critical areas of their lives? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Spiritual Disciplines: Are our kids developing a consistent devotional and prayer life? (Romans 12:2)
Moral Boundaries: Are our kids establishing and maintaining Godly moral boundaries? (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
Healthy Friendships: Are our kids establishing healthy friendships and avoiding unhealthy ones? (Proverbs 12:20)
Wise Choices: Are our kids making wise choices in every area of their lives? (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Ultimate Authority: Are our kids submitting to the authorities God has placed over them? (Romans 13:1-2)
Others First: Are our kids putting the needs of others ahead of their own? (Philippians 2:3-11)
With that in mind, parents and church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated, and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship. Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.
What a SUMMER! The Mt. Haley Youth Ministry has had a summer to remember! We just returned yesterday from a camping trip to Mio for camping, tubing, a cook-out with the Mio Youth, Sunday morning service with the Mio Church of God, fun, food and lots of conversation, teasing and bonding. It was a great weekend! Thank you Jo & Lawrence Adams and Darren Allen for helping to host the weekend. We shared this month in the Midland County Fair, Michigan Adventure, and the St. Louis Camp Meeting while Connie & I even sneaked in a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to visit our son & wife. As you are reading this, Labor Day Weekend is approaching or you have celebrated it already. We are excited because our kids are coming home for the weekend. We hope you have a great weekend!
School & the Mt. Haley Rally Day are coming up quickly. On Sunday, September 8 after the morning service we will be gathering at the parsonage for food, excitement, games, a softball game, volleyball and lots of fun together. WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME! (It will be in the Fellowship Hall if raining.)
On Sunday, September 15, 2013, the new youth year begins with our first weekly 6:00pm meeting. We will be having youth for 6th & 7th grade boys every Tuesday with the same arrangements as last year. We will begin the year with a four-week study called “The Circle Makers.” Youth is EVERY Sunday evening unless otherwise noted. One week we will tentatively NOT have youth will be Sunday, November 10th because Connie & I will be attending the baptism of one of our granddaughters. We will continue our Bible Study every Sunday morning @ 10:00am with “The Parables of Jesus.” We always encourage you and our students to attend our Morning Worship Service @ 11:00am on Sundays. All families should have received the new 2013-2014 Permission Slip in the mail and we hope to have those turned in ASAP.
photo by Bahman Farzad
We are having a MUM sale on Saturday and Sunday, September 7th & 8th from 3:00 – 5:00pm (Saturday) and until 4:00pm on Sunday. There will be 75 plants of various colors delivered to Mt. Haley and on a first come, first served basis, plants may be purchased for $9 each, or 3 for $25. Students may take pre-orders for the mums and earn $4 per plant for their youth accounts, or you may designate purchases for individual students. We thank you in advance for your support of the youth. There will be other projects coming up such as doing yard work, sponsoring a meal at the church’s business meeting in October, plus working other fundraisers.
On Wednesday, September 25, 2013, the annual “See You At The Pole” event will be held at our local high schools & middle schools. SYATP is an opportunity for our students to gather around their school flagpole and pray for their school, their friends, their families and anything else that could be a matter of prayer. Watch for more details as the day becomes closer. Join in with the students and pray for them that early morning! Prayer Makes a Difference!
In the last week of September (day to be determined) there will be a parent & student meeting about attending the International Youth Convention in July of next summer in Nashville, TN. A $115 Early Bonus Bird Registration is due by December 12, 2013. We will need to discuss purpose, missions, fundraising and other important details. We hope you will come and hear about this wonderful opportunity for your kids.
We have had an information meeting about Guatemala and the $100 Registration for the mission trip is due by Sunday, September 8th. This is generally for adults but we have had older youth participate also. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
As the new school year begins, we know that the students are involved in many activities after school and on weekends. One of my favorite things to do is attending & providing encouragement and support for your son or daughter as well as joining you in the stands. If your student runs cross country, cheers, plays in the band, acts in a play, whatever it is, PLEASE let me know – I try to follow schedules, but it really helps when I am informed of events. Thanks for your help.
September brings the third year of serving Mt. Haley as your Youth Pastor and we are extremely excited for the opportunities, the challenges and the privileges of sharing Jesus Christ with the youth, the parents, the church and community. We have been abundantly blessed with the love, support and encouragement as the ministry has grown spiritually and in numbers. We anticipate further growth as the students spread the word and share with their friends the good news of Christ and the ministry happening at Mt. Haley. Please encourage your kids to share and bring their friends as we grow each Sunday, PLUS we want you to know you are always welcomed also. Special thanks also go to Lawrence and Jo Adams as they so generously share their lives, gifts and talents to help out with our teens. May we give all the glory to Christ our King!
Parents and Church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship. Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.
August already!! By the time you are reading this, we will have had a GREAT day at Michigan Adventure. As I am writing, we have 37 people going and I am just getting ready to order tickets. The month will go fast and kids will be back at school and our Sunday nights will be in full gear. We are planning on celebrating “Rally Day” at the church on Sunday, September 8, then the youth year will begin on Sunday night, September 15th @ 6:00 PM. It will be GOOD to see the kids every week.
photo by gaspi *yg
Also, on the weekend of Saturday, September 7 through Monday, September 9, the youth will have a room full (about 75 plants) of mums for sale to kick-off the fundraisers for the International Youth Convention in Nashville next summer. We haven’t received the costs yet, but Kutchey’s promises the best selection of mums in the area. Hope you can support the youth and make your yards more beautiful. More details coming.
July was a busy month for Connie and I. We enjoyed the Mt. Haley Loons game night and were joined by several of the kids. Connie and I had an extraordinary opportunity in Oklahoma City for a week. We served as youth leaders & counselors at the Church of God Leadership Summit for a gathering of over 160 outstanding young people from more than 20 states. We had outstanding speakers, worked an afternoon of Tornado Disaster Relief in Moore, Oklahoma, and visited the Oklahoma City Bombing Museum & Memorial, plus many group sessions and interaction with some great young leaders in the Church of God. It was an awesome experience and was thrilled to be involved.
The St. Louis Camp Meeting is this week and we encourage everyone to attend. There will be great services every night and an opportunity to gather with Church of God people from all over the state. The Midland County Fair comes quickly after that and involves many of our youth. We invite you to get to the fair and see their pigs, goats, and other animals. On the weekend of August 23-25 we will be having our adventure in Mio at the Adam’s cabin & campsite. Our plans are to go tubing on the AuSable (costs will be coming soon), attending church at the Mio Church of God, eating out traveling there & back, and just generally having a good time together. Sign up will begin after Michigan Adventure. Every Sunday morning and with events we will continue to either have devotions or lessons on the “The Parables of Jesus.”
A major event we would like you to consider and pray about is Baptism on Sunday, August 18th. Baptism is an important step of obedience in a believer’s life, as an acknowledgment of the salvation experience already accomplished and a personal public testimony of your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Savior. Pastor David or I would love to have the privilege and honor of baptizing you in the morning worship service on that Sunday. If you are thinking of being baptized or have definitely decided, please contact me about our service. We will help to answer all questions, concerns and thoughts.
There will be two introductory meetings we will be having soon. The first one is a Guatemala Mission Meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2013 to introduce the 2014 Mission Trip. We will discuss costs, purpose, what we do, etc for those who are interested in possibly attending in February. There is a $100 registration DUE by September 8th for this mission. In September (date to be determined) there will be a parent & student meeting about attending the International Youth Convention in July of next summer in Nashville, TN. A $115 Early Bonus Bird Registration is due by December 12, 2013. We will need to discuss purpose, missions, fundraising and other important details. We hope you will come and hear about this wonderful opportunity for your kids.
Parents and Church, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship. Thank you for sharing your son or daughter.
We encourage everyone to come and be a part of our weekly Mt. Haley Worship every week at 11:00 AM and hope to see your kids the Sunday morning meetings and the summer activities.
WOW! February was a GREAT month! It began with our church mission trip. Guatemala was AWESOME! We built a house, visited orphanages, visited a feeding station, saw the black sands & the Pacific, provided haircuts & fashion, visited the school, blessed by an inspiring service with 4 pastors speaking, created and continued many relationships with our Guatemalan family, visited Antigua and MORE. All done to give Honor, Glory, and Praise to our Savior. We witnessed His presence, counted our blessings, learned to walk closer in His steps and built a community of believers! Our mission now begins, bringing it home, sharing our love and serving our Lord. What a privilege it was to lead this team! Guatemala was a HUGE SUCCESS! We will have a church presentation on March 10th.
Speaking of March 10th, we will have a “Mexican Night” (tacos, enchiladas, beans, etc) @ 4:45 PM to benefit and begin the fundraising for State Youth Convention. Cost will be by donation. This will happen just before Pastor David’s series on ‘3:16’ and the weekly youth meeting at 6:00 PM. All youth who are entertaining the idea of SYC should come & help in earning their registration fees due at the end of the month. All parents, church members & guests are invited to kick off our Spring adventure. We are hoping to have Guatemalan pictures available during the supper. We are declaring March 17 as “Pop Can & Bottle Sunday” to help our registration drive. We also hope to have a ‘can & bottle’ collection day in town perhaps the day before the Sunday. Other upcoming fundraisers will be yard work, scripts, garage sale, Mother’s Day flower sale and hopefully another new idea coming down the pike.
State Youth Convention is coming quickly! Although it isn’t until the weekend of May 17-19, early-bird registration is $40 and must be mailed into the state office by March 30th. SO, we will be making our list & collecting money the week of Sunday, March 24 – 29th. The balance will be $80 due by the convention. This year’s theme is “RENEW” and will feature the concert & worship band, The Afters, with Chicago Bear Chaplain, Ray McElroy as the speaker and a special drama presentation in concert by onetimeblind. It’s one of our greatest weekends of the year.
Our February 22nd LOCK-IN was another reason February was a great month. We had almost 30 students plus adults in attendance for a night of silly games, food, movies and more. It’s great when we open up our church and invite our friends to have fun and witness the love and word of God. Since the last newsletter we also had a “Bowling” night at Northern Lanes with pizza, games and movies at Pastor Jerry’s house afterwards. It’s fun doing things together with Christ as our common denominator!
Our series, “Doing the Disciplines” ended last week. During our series we learned about Bible Study, Prayer, Quiet Times & Devotion, Serving, the Importance of Church and Reaching Out – all topics to strengthen our walk with Christ. We begin in March a series on the “Fruits of the Spirit” which will take us through May.
A new Snack Donation Sign-Up is up on the bulletin board as well as the “Student of the Month” feature and upcoming activities. Youth will continue to be @ 6:00 PM on Sundays for 7th-12th graders and on Tuesdays for 6th graders @ 2:30 PM.
We would also like to extend an invitation to Easter Week activities at the church. Maundy Thursday services will be March 28th. There will be an area Good Friday service @ Faith Wesleyan on Meridian Road. Easter will be the morning of March 30 with an Early Morning service at 9:00 AM followed by refreshments and activities for children. Easter Sunday service will begin at 11:00 AM. There will be not church or youth that evening. Everyone is welcomed!
Parents, your prayers, support and encouragement are greatly appreciated and we look forward every week to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our students through interaction, study, fellowship and relationship. Thank you for sharing your son or daughter. We thank the congregation for your help with snacks, with your encouragement and mostly your prayers.
As we move forward in the Christian season of Lent (called “Focus 40” in the Church of God), I find myself captivated by the theme of journeying. Several of my friends in ministry, who are scattered around the country and the world, are going through different kinds of “wandering” in their own lives. Some are anticipating a move to a new ministry location, some are expecting a baby for the first time, and some are embarking on new and intimidating adventures in their current locations.
photo by Lain
When I think about the people of Mt. Haley Church of God in this context, I realize that we too are in transition; we too are on a journey. This church is settling down into a rhythm with our current pastoral staff. We have experienced a tremendous mission trip to Guatemala and are continuing to reflect on the impact of that journey. We are learning the importance of active growth in our own personal faith, and we are seeing the joys of ministering with our youth and children – even though that too is a call to active involvement in ministry.
Everywhere we look, we see signs that the life of faith is a journey. This is especially on our minds in this season of Lent, in which Christians of all nationalities are journeying toward the cross. In a deliberate, careful manner, faithful believers just like us are considering their need for a Savior, for redemption, for hope, for Christ in their lives.
In this we are not alone. Our biblical ancestors in the faith were wanderers, most notably when the Israelites wandered through the wilderness for forty years on their way to the Promised Land. Later in their history, Israel and Judah each were taken away into exile because of their sinfulness and betrayal of their relationship with God. Even in the beginning, when God called Abram to leave his home and follow him, we see a clear example of wandering in faithfulness to God. As the Israelites repeated for generations afterward, “my father [Abraham] was a wandering Aramean” (see Deuteronomy 26) – and that defines us and gives meaning to our own periods of wandering.
Wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, remember that you are not alone. Take full advantage of the remainder of Lent (which this year lasts all the way through March) to focus on how God is calling you to draw closer to him and to his church. Know that I am praying for you and that I am always available to walk with you, wherever you are!
