CHRISTMAS EVE

You have two great opportunities for worship.  At 7:00 pm we will observe a traditional Service of Lessons and Carols which will feature many people from Northlawn sharing their gifts and talents as we listen to the Christmas Story as told through Scripture and carols. Then at 11:00 pm a beautiful candle lit Service of Holy Communion. 

These are the greatest opportunities to invite friends, family and yes, neighbors to.  Let's fill the house of the Lord for this special night!

Zumba Fitness Thursdays from 7:00-8:00 pm

Dance your way to fitness. No experience needed, just a desire to have fun! The suggested donation is $5 but give what you can afford. Join the millions of people that have decided that having fun and working out are not mutually exclusive. Let's have a blast!

Christmas Eve Dinner for Emergency Personnel

December 24, 8:00-10:00 pm
Northlaswn UMC will provide a dinner on Christmas Eve for the people who keep us safe. Fire fighters, police officers, ambulance staff and all others who are working on Christmas Eve to keep safe & protect the citizens of Grand Rapids are invited to stop by Northlawn fany time between 8:00 pm -10:00 pm for supper.
You can help by providing food and other items. Contact the Jeltema's (barbjeltema@yahoo.com) or the Selkirks at 363-1140.

Northlawn gets 1¢ every time you search

Northlawn has signed up for the GoodSearch engine. This is a Christian search engine that gives back to non-profit organizations. If you use this website, Northlawn gets 1¢ every time you search. There are also links to various stores. If you like to shop online Northlawn will also receive a percentage of your total order. What a wonderful and easy way to raise money for our church!

Please go to www.goodsearch.com and make this your search engine.

December Committee Meetings

Staff Parish Relations
6 pm~ December 2, 2010

Porch Committee
7 pm~ December 9, 2010

C.O.R.E Team
7 pm~ December 20, 2010

CLATTER OFFERING

A big THANK YOU to everyone who donated money to the October clatter, we were able to buy these items for the Grand Rapids Veteran’s Home with the $321.10 collected.

¨ 200 postage stamps
¨ 840 denture cleanser tablets
¨ 60 packets of hot cocoa
¨ 36 tubes of lip balm
¨ 72 emery boards
¨ 12 sweat shirts (various sizes)
¨ 120 combs
¨ 27 manicure sets
¨ 30 books (10 each of Crossword, Sudoku, & Word search)
¨ 13 bottles of shampoo
¨ 10 bottles of body wash
¨ 5 Bath brushes

Another big THANKS, along with the clatter we received these congregation donations:

After shave, Bags of candy, Batteries, Books, Conditioner, Dental cleanser, Dental floss, Deodorant, Ear plugs, Gloves, Greeting cards, Hot cocoa, Nail clipper, Necklace & earring set, Pants, Pens, Polo shirts, Postage stamps, Q-tips, Razors, Shampoo, Shave cream, Socks, Sweat shirts, Tooth brushes, Tooth pastes, T-shirts, Tubes of chap stick, Wrapping paper.

Children's Christmas Program

Sunday December 12th @ 6:00pm
Practice: Saturday December 11th @ 11:00-12:30 - Lunch provided

From Pastor Jim - December

The versatility of God’s Word has always amazed me. When I think of the many languages it has been translated into and the many versions we have available, my mind shifts to overload. There are approximately 6,900 languages spoken in the world today. There are 1,300 translations of the Bible to new languages currently in progress, and 1,185 translations have been complete. That means that there are still more than 5,400 languages yet to have the Bible. WOW!

What does this mean for us? Well, the message can still be shared as we show the world that Christ is alive and God is love. Advent is all about sharing God with the world, just as God shared, and gave his one and only Son (John 3:16). But where do we turn for the “how to” on all of this? Again, the written record of God’s love, the Bible.

For those of us who do have the Bible in our language, we have the blessing of many versions to help us understand. Take Psalm 25:14, for example. Look at these versions;

• NASV: The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.
• RSV: The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
• NIV: The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
• NLT: The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

Remember, during this Advent Season, you have a very special friend. One who will share with you the most intimate secrets, reveal that which is most important. One who will share confidential issues and trust you to do what is right. That special friend is God whose gift to you can never be topped. That gift is the gift of salvation through His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

SEE YA IN CHURCH!
JIM NOGGLE

Silver Seniors Luncheon

Join us for lunch on December 15 for lunch at the Kent Career Tech Center Culinary Café! Our reservation is for 12:30 pm. Enter from Knapp Street, East Beltline or Leffingwell, Park in lot #1).

Please RSVP by contacting Linda Allen, Lee Grey or the church office so that we reserve enough tables. Hope to see you there!

Order Your Christmas Poinsettia

You can help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas. The cost per plant this year is $6.00. Your plant may be placed in memory or honor of a loved one if you so desire.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

To all who helped make the Grapevine Harvest Craft Show a wonderful day - those who baked, donated handmade items, those who donated food for the luncheon, the kitchen crew who made it seem so easy, the youth who took and delivered food orders from 65 crafters and made numerous trips delivering water and soft drinks; those who moved furniture out, then moved it back again to restore the entire church for Sunday, the shuttle driver (and Faith Lutheran Church for letting us use their parking lot), the sign makers, those who helped the crafters, those who worked all day at the show in the Northlawn booths, those who came and enjoyed the show and luncheon, those who prayed. The Craft Show is truly an all-church effort - 100% of proceeds will be given to various mission projects after a 10% tithe.

Grapevine Harvest Craft Show Committee

NECM Supper House Christmas

This year’s NECM Supper House Christmas Party will be held on December 23, 2010. There are many, many new families being served by NECM this year and the following are items needed for the party:

$5 gift cards to local stores for food and gas
Gifts for boys and girls to age 17 (ideas: games, personal care items, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, dolls, stuffed animals)

There is a donation box marked “NECM Supperhouse Christmas Party” in the Narthex. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. The November Clatter Offering will also be donated to the NECM for the Christmas party.

If you have any questions, please contact Lee Grey.

December Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner

Friday, December 10, 2010-6:00 pm

Please join us as we raise money to up grade the water heater for the dish washer. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Art Wright at 691-7548.

Meeting Notices for November

Staff Parish Relations Team
November 2, 2010 ~ 6 pm
Trustees
November 6, 2010 ~ 6 pm
Nomination sTeam
November 4, 2010 ~ 6:30 pm
Missions, Outreach & Hospitality Team
November 4, 2010 ~ 7 pm
Finance Team
November 9, 2010 ~ 6 pm
C.O.R.E Team
November 15, 2010 ~ 7 pm

Volunteers Needed

Advent begins November 28 and ends at Christmas. We are looking for volunteers to:

• Light the Advent candles and present the Advent meditation at the beginning of our Sunday norning worship celebrations
• Read or provide special music for the 7:00 pm Christmas Eve worship celibration

Please pray about helping and call Pastor Jim if you are willing.

Grapevine Harvest Craft Show

Saturday, November 6, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Stop by one of the friendliest churches in Grand Rapids, located on the corner of Northlawn and Fuller NE, for our annual craft show which includes a yummy bake sale, cookie walk, coffee shop, and lunch along with three floors of fantastic crafters (over 65).

Join Us For Battlefield Of The Mind

All of us experience worry, self doubt, sadness, anger, confusion, critical thinking & condemnation. What's been on your mind lately? There is a battle going on in your mind, a spiritual war. The devil puts thoughts in your mind. Join us and you can learn how to recognize and overcome Satans lies which steal our joy. Join us this Sunday, or any Sunday - 10:15 am in the large classroom on the 2nd floor- to begin thinking about what you're thinking about and to learn how to line up your thoughts with God's. This will take time but it will be worth the effort!

Finance Committee Meeting Notice

November 9, 2010 ~ 6 pm
CORE Team members please turn in your room budget prior to this meeting.

Silver Seniors Luncheon

Wednesday, November 3 at Noon

November luncheon will be a potluck!! You won’t want to miss this one. Just bring a dish to pass - and a friend!! Drinks and table service will be provided.

Finance Committee

Meeting November 9, 2010 ~ 6 pm

New Mission Project

Talitha Koum Circle will be collecting items for the Veterans Home in November. If you would like to help with this project, our vets are in need of any of the following items:

• Batteries, all sizes- aa, aaa, 9v, c and d are the most popular
• Postage stamps (forever stamps are best)
• New crossword and wordsearch books
• Lip balm
• Denture cleaner
• Shampoo
• New t-shirts all sizes
• New sweatshirts all sizes including 2x, 3x
• Sports sox for men and women
• Individually wrapped hot chocolate packets (just add water type)
• Individually wrapped candy bars

A box will be placed beneath "clipboard central" table. The clatter offering for October will also be used for this project

Silver Seniors

Wednesday, October 6 at Noon
Come join us for a Baked Chicken Dinner with noodles, green beans, and pumpkin dessert! Bring a friend!!

Supperhouse Volunteers Needed

Volunteers to serve at NECM Supperhouse on Tuesday, October 5 from 4:30 pm to about 6:30 pm at St. Alphonsus Church located on the corner of Leonard and Lafayette. Please sign up at “Clipboard Central” or call Lee Grey. YOU WILL BLESSED!

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Join us for dinner on October 29, 2010, 6:00 pm
Bring your friends and neighbors too!

Talitha Koum Monthly Meeting

Monday, October 11
6:30 pm Happy half Hour
7:00 pm Meeting Begins

ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE SUNDAY

Our Church Conference will be held at Aldersgate UMC this Sunday, October 3. Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet with the DS at 5:15 pm followed by the Church Conference for everyone at 6:00 pm.

ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 3 when our Church Charge Conference will be held at Aldersgate UMC. Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet with the District Superintendent at 5:15 pm followed by the Church Conference at 6:00 pm.

Don't miss this!!!

On Sunday, September 26 at 6:30 pm please plan to attend a meeting with the Pastor and the CORE Team here at Northlawn. The purpose will be to hear the Pastor's report on the 90 Day Transition Plan and recommendations for moving forward as we seek God's vision for Northlawn. You are an important piece of the puzzle so please attend.

Silver Seniors’ Lunch

Join us for great food, fun and fellowship on Wednesday, September 1 at noon for our first Silver Seniors lunch of the fall. We will meet in the church Fellowship Hall. Come and meet some great new friends!

Join the Northlawn Prayer Chain

If you would like to join dedicated prayer servants in prayer for the needs of others please call the church office and ask to be added to our email or phone Prayer Chain. You may also request prayer by calling the church office or Doris at 363-2436.

Vacation Bile School 2010

August 2nd-6th, 9am-Noon

This Year’s Vacation Bible School takes children to the ultimate concert experience each day to worship and sing with the Go Fish Guys!

The program offers kids “backstage” access and a tour of a recording studio, all as they learn foundational truths such as

• -The books of the Bible
• -The 10 Commandments
• -How to be saved by grace through faith
• -How to share the Good News of Jesus!
• 
  

If you are interested in VOLUNTEERING please email Sharon, at cslongstreth@yahoo.com or call (616) 974-8995.

Click Here for a Registration Form

Retirement/Open House Party

Retirement/Open House for Chuck and Linda
Saturday, June 19, 1-4pm
Northlawn UMC

2010 Unity Christian Music Festival

August 12, 13 & 14
A group from Northlawn is planning to attend this event once again. If you would like to attend or want more information please contact Eric Alcumbrack.

Silver Seniors

There will be TWO luncheon get togethers in May, so please mark your calendars and plan to join us for both.
Wednesday, May 5 at Noon- At Northlawn in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for Chicken with rice, green beans, jello salad, rolls and a special "light" dessert.
Wednesday, May 19 at 11:00am-Ming Ten Restaurant. A sign up sheet will be available at the May 5 luncheon and then in the Narthex until Sunday, May 16.

Boiler Fundraiser Dinner

May 21, 2010 at 6:30
Please join us for a Swiss Steak Dinner on Friday, May 21. We have a wonderful time of fellowship as we continue to raise money to connect our boilers. Bring a friend!

Special Church Conference

10:45am-Sunday, May 16, 2010
The purpose of the conference is to vote on the new pastor's salary. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

Date to Remember

Saturday, April 17th: NECM Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction 5:30pm—8:30pm at 3rd Reformed Church, 2060 Michigan Ave., NE. Here’s a chance for a great meal, live entertainment and a fantastic silent auction—all for a great cause. Please contact NECM (644-4688 or 454-1097) to sign up. If you want to donate something or a gift basket to be in the silent auction please let Laura Castle at NECM know soon.

Sunday, April 25th: City Wide Prayer Gathering, 6 pm—8pm at DeVos Place. Join over 100 congregations in prayer for Grand Rapids and the nation.

Saturday, June 19th: Retirement Open House, 1pm—4pm here at the church (sponsored by the church & family)

Sunday, June 27th: Last Sunday Celebration, Chuck Roast & Pig Roast . This will be a time of worship, sharing, food & fellowship. Outside, weather permitting. Please come and have fun with us

Mission Project: Socks for All Sizes

Bethany Christian Services provides support to refugees coming to America from a variety of countries. There is a need for socks for these people, including men, women and children of all ages. If you are interested in contributing, please bring your donation to church, and place it in the collection box in the Narthex. The Womens Circle will be coordinating this collection. We will be organizing and packaging all of the donated items at our meeting on April 12. So, if you are able to provide any support, please have your contribution to church by Sunday, April 11.

April's Boiler Fundraiser

In April, our boiler fundraiser dinner will be a Pulled Pork Dinner, you may have it on the plate or on a bun. Please come and join us as we continue to raise money to connect our boilers. Bring a Friend!

Easter Services, April 4

8am Service of Scripture and Song

8:45am Easter Breakfast

10am Easter Worship

No Finish Line in Sight

Friday, March 12, 2010
7:00pm - Keynote Address, Reception and Book Signing
at First United Methodist Church (downtown Grand Rapids)

You'll be amazed by Scott's courage, determination, and faith. Maybe you'll even be inspired to do the unthinkable in your own life. Donations will be taken for the Scott Rigsby Foundation, which is dedicated to influencing all physcially challendged people and youth to pursue an active lifestyle.

Baptism

Those who are interested in baptism, please contact Pastor Chuck or the church office.

Member Information Class

Sunday, March 21 & March 28

10:15 am

Fellowship Hall ~ Bring your coffee!

Monday, March 22 & March 29

7:00 –9:00 pm

If you would like to attend, please sign up in the church office, or let Pastor

Chuck by writing what class you would like to attend on the attendance pad.

Please plan on attending one Sunday and one Monday class.

These classes do not obligate you in any way to become a member of

Northlawn. If you would like to join, we will be receiving new members

at our Easter Service.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

March 28th (Palm Sunday)

Will be held during the last 15 minutes of Sunday School. All kids thru 5th grade are welcome to participate. A sign up sheet will be posted in the Narthex.

Dates to Remember

Wndsday, March 3 ~ 11:00 am -1:00 pm
Silver Seniors Soup and Salad Lunch

Saturday, March 13 ~ 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Bishop’s Day at Cornerstone United Methodist Church.
This meeting will take place at their new facility on Kalamazoo and 84th Street. Scott

Rigsby is the special speaker. Sports enthusiasts and those with disabilities will especially

be interested in Scott’s amazing story. You can also hear Scott at 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church on Friday, March 11.

Friday, March 26 ~ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
In March, our boiler fundraiser dinner will be a variety of soups and salads. Please come and join us as we continue to raise money to connect our boilers. Bring a friend!

Tuesday, March 30 ~ 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Volunteers needed to serve at NECM supper house.

Pastors Pen

Well it was cold down in the sunny South, but we had a good time. Now it’s back to reality and all the things we need to get done in the next 4 1/2 months for our retirement at the end of June. It will be time for you to say “Hello” and “Welcome” to your new pastor and parsonage family. Let’s all be in prayer for this time of transition in the history of Northlawn. Let’s all ask God for His help in saying goodbye and hello.
Linda and I have been so blessed to be here at Northlawn these past 14 years and those years have just flown by. You have been a great Church to have served Christ together with and it has truly been a TEAM EFFORT. Our sincere thanks to all who have blessed the ministry here in so many ways.

See you in worship!
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck

First Post

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