Unlock Revelation Series Across the Lake Union, more than 200 venues are preparing for a few thousand

Transcription

1 March/April 2016 Inside this issue: Great Disappointment to a Greater Appointment 2 Father-Son Retreat 2 Unlock Revelation Series Across the Lake Union, more than 200 venues are preparing for a few thousand people to come and experience how Revelation will be unlocked for them as they see Jesus. We, at Niles Westside Church, are preparing and planting seeds right now and need everyone to assist us in various ways. Our 3 Phases for Unlock Revelation: 1. Involvement of Niles Westside Church (attend planning meetings) 2. Preparing for a full house for the first week (March 28 April 2) 3. Guest Convictions: Nurture all Holy Spirit convictions and Spirit-led decisions Things we need to do before we start: Pray, Pray & Pray! GLOW Tracts Handout: invite, invite, invite, invite & invite! Billboards up & handbills mailed out Yard signs up & car magnets on Handbills handed out Day of Fasting & Prayer, and prayer coordinated petitions March 27: Setup and final details 6 p.m. (gym) March 28: Start Unlock Revelation - 6:45 p.m. (gym) We want a full house in anticipation of a fantastic experience as we Unlock Revelation together with friends, neighbors and family. Pray for your Operation Andrew names, and talk to them about the times we are living in and the Unlock Revelation Series. Pre-Register for Unlock Revelation: Church members, please do not register online, but use the following address, or contact Pastor Darrel or Gina: Register4Revelation@gmail.com. Give us your name and contact information so that we can have your DVD ready for you. ANYONE who is NOT a member of the church (kids, adults, family, friends, baptismal classes), please register ONLINE at Text share to to receive a link to share on Facebook and Twitter. From Pastor Darrel 3 New Member: Owen Cook 3 The Lord s Library 4 7 Great Facts About Christian Stewardship Adventurers & Pathfinders 6 Church Family News 7 NAS News 8 March/April Birthdays 10 Pastor: Darrel le Roux G evergreen4me@gmail.com Head Elder: Sue Fattic G suefattic@icloud.com Editor/Church Secretary: Gina Meekma G (cell) G (church) secretary@nilessda.org Gina s Church Office Hours: Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Church Web Site: Like us on Facebook! 5

2 Page 2 - Niles Westside News March/April 2016 Great Disappointment to a Greater Appointment by Pastor Darrel le Roux When we consider great disappointments in our lives, we may not realize that they may be preparing us for a greater appointment God has planned for us. There are two historic events involving prophecy that illustrate this point. In fact, the correlations are striking in their similarity to the preservation of a people in the earth that reflect God s prophetic promises and purpose. The first is Joseph, and the prophetic preservation of his family through seven years of famine. Though rejected by his brothers and sold as a slave, Joseph became the second most powerful man in Egypt. When he could have revenged himself on his brothers, he rather chose to forgive and acknowledge God s purpose when declaring, Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here: for God did send me before you to preserve life (Genesis 45:5). The prophetic dream of Pharaoh needed a correct interpretation and an implementation of that prophecy. Joseph was found worthy because God s spirit dwelt within him. He surrendered his life to God, even when it might have been easy to rather embrace another culture or other tempting morals. There is a need for the same indwelling spirit today, as God wants a people to implement His prophetic messages in our tempted turmoil. The second event takes place when sincere believers were waiting for Jesus to come back. It was like eating and tasting the wonderfully sweet prophecy (Jesus was going to come at that time) in your mouth only to have it turned horribly bitter in your belly (date was right, event was misunderstood). The experience was named The Great Disappointment. Yet, just like the date of the crucifixion of Jesus was prophetically precise, the disciples misunderstood the meaning of Jesus death during those bitter long hours in the grave. Yet, on that very disappointment Jesus built a Christian movement to witness His resurrection and soon return. So, from the Great Disappointment of 1844, God raised up a great prophetic movement to call the world to prepare for the real and true Coming of Jesus Christ as Lord of Lords and King of Kings! If we let God lead, our disappointments can become His prophetic appointment for us and our generation. Keep prophecy in your living perspective. Father-Son Retreat Rod Boothby, Camp Au Sable Manager, was the main speaker for the Western-themed 2016 Father-Son Retreat in January. From Niles Westside, Rodrick & Caleb Snow, and Mark & Owen Cook attended. "Find the Hatchet" is an annual tradition at Father-Son Retreat. A clue is given, and then it is up to you to scour the grounds for the hatchet. It could be anywhere! And the clues aren't always what they seem. This year it was hidden three times, and Caleb and Rodrick Snow found all three hiding places (archery shed, disc golf basket 8, and out at the horse barns). Photos by Rodrick Snow

3 Page 3 - Niles Westside News March/April 2016 From Pa s t o r Da r rel Forgiven Forgiveness Forgiveness is God s desire to set us free. When forgiven, we can be free to set others free also. Being forgiven and forgiving are powerful experiences in any relationship, especially those that reconcile. As someone once said, Forgiveness removes fear. This is why forgiveness is inseparable from love, as perfect love drives out all fear (1 John 4:18). The reason forgiving from the heart of love is endless is that it keeps no record of wrong. If someone is forgiven, and there is no record, then the next forgiveness is as if it s the first wrong ever committed to you, which is easier to forgive than when keeping a record of wrongs! It appears that bitterness has no room for this kind of "heartforgiven-ness," as there is no record to build even the slightest resentment on. This kind of forgiving is possible only because it s the kind of forgiveness God does toward us. Justification is being forgiven so that you stand before God "Just-as-ifyou NEVER sinned." Wow, think about that! If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? (Psalm 130:3). But instead: He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). David calls on God to be merciful on him with lovingkindness (Psalm 51:1) so that he could guarantee having his sins blotted out, since that s what God already wants for our lives. God wants us to be cleansed from all unrighteousness so that we can have confidence in His holy presence (1 John 1:9). How do you want to stand before God one day: guilty or forgiven? There s only one way to remain standing in such an awesome presence, that is forgiven and forgiving. Forgiving really comes from the power of being forgiven. When I realize how much I have been forgiven by God, forgiving others is insignificant in comparison. We hesitate to forgive because we may not have truly accepted and experienced God s forgiveness. Try forgiving from the heart when your heart has experienced being God-forgiven! M e e t O u r N e w M e m b e r: O w e n C o o k by Owen Cook with Anke Pagaja One of the greatest privileges that the Niles Westside Church has is welcoming the very youngest of members to its family. Owen Cook celebrated his new life in Jesus through baptism by immersion on January 31, Nothing causes more joy in heaven than when these young disciples publicly declare Jesus their Lord and Savior, for of such is the Kingdom of God (Luke 18:16). As a church, we are privileged to be a witness to Owen's walk with God. Owen was born at Memorial Hospital in South Bend ten years ago. He has lived in Niles all of his life. His family has lived in the same house since he was born, and Owen is very proud of this part of his history. He has been coming to Niles Westside for as far back as he can remember, because this is his parents' home church. Owen really likes this church! Owen's dad is Mark Cook. He works outside the home, and this keeps him very busy. This way Owen's mom can stay home with him and his sister. Owen is glad that no matter how busy his dad is, he always makes special time to spend with them. Owen's mom, Jenn, is a stay-at-home mom. Owen has a younger sister, and her name is Anna. The Cooks have a dog named Zoey. They also have a classroom pet hamster named Hammy. Part of their family are two beta fish that are kept in separate tanks. Owen's dad enjoys to read. When he is not too busy, he spends time photographing things, hiking, and playing golf. Owen s mom reads fervently and loves to journal in her Bible. She also enjoys home-

4 March/April 2016 Page 4 - Niles Westside News Continued from page 3: schooling both Owen (4th grade age 10) and Anna (2nd grade age 8), and she enjoys taking naps! Anna also has great fun reading. Some of her favorite past-times are riding her bike outside, and picnics. Owen says that he too has fun riding his bike with Anna, and going on picnics with her. Owen really has a good time just being outside. He takes Taekwondo and piano lessons, both of which he enjoys. He has a real interest in all things science and chemistry...and one day, when he is all grown up, he would love to be an engineer. Owen studied the Bible with his mom, who worked with him throughout the entire baptismal class. Both his mom and dad helped him make the decision to get baptized. Owen wanted to get baptized because he really wanted Jesus in his life. His greatest desire is to share God's love with others, and tell them about His Word. When Owen comes to church, he loves to help out, especially in the Primary Sabbath School class, when he gets to help his mom when she teaches. We are glad that you are part of the Niles Westside Church Family, Owen! The Lord s Library by Phyllis Shupp, Church Librarian Our library is open for church members immediately following Sabbath School, and it remains open until 11:30 a.m. We invite you to come check us out, and see what new DVDs, CDs, and books we have to offer. Everyone enjoys the CD series Adventures in Odyssey. For your listening enjoyment, our latest new episodes are the "Blackgaard Chronicles" and "Head Over Heels." Our Primary kids will enjoy the captivating historical stories about the Underground Railroad, the Gold Rush, The Alamo, the Statue of Liberty, Pearl Harbor, and the March on Washington. Added to our CD collection is The Boxcar Children. Separate titles are "Mystery in the Snow," "The Mystery of the Orphan Train," "The Creature in Ogopogo Lake," "The Clue in the Corn Maze," and "The Pizza Mystery." There is always lots of exciting fun with the Boxcar Children. You won't want to miss out on these adventures! We now have series 2 & 3 of Friends and Heroes. That means twelve new DVDs with stories from the Bible such as Jesus riding into Jerusalem, Jesus and the money lenders, Jesus healing a paralyzed man, Jesus and the widow's offering, Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus bringing Jairus' daughter back to life, and many more. For our Kindergartners, we have three new books that teach us what different parts of the body are designed to do. This series is called Amazing Body. Their pages teach us about our brain, our lungs, and the bones and muscles of our bodies. We haven't left out the adults in our new purchases! We will update you in our next newsletter or better yet, just come to the library, and see what new titles are available. If you are a member of the Niles Westside Church, and you have not signed up as a member of the library, please feel free to come and browse the library between Sabbath School and second service (in the foyer) after you sign up. Then you may check out any of the books or DVDs available.

5 March/April 2016 Page 5 - Niles Westside News 7 Great Facts About...Christian Stewardship How different our standard is from Christ's. We ask how much a man gives. Christ asks how much he keeps." - Andrew Murray in Money: Thoughts for God's Stewards 1. Stewardship is the management of another's possessions. a. "For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 'If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness'" (Psalms 50:10-12). b. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth'" (Genesis 1:26). 2. Possessions may be abstract or concrete, spiritual or material. a. "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). b. "Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth'" (Genesis 1:28). 3. Angels have their stewardship responsibilities. a. "To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word" (Psalms 103:18-20). b. "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). 4. Stewardship involves the totality of life expressed in four principal areas. a. "'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength'" (Deuteronomy 6:4, 5). b. (1) Body Temple - "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). (2) Talents - "'For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey'" (Matthew 25:14, 15). (3) Time - The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Psalms 90:10). (4) Treasure - "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase" (Proverbs 3:9). 5. No area of Christian stewardship may by lawfully withheld from the service of the Master. a. "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind'" (Matthew 22:37). b. "The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men" (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 329). 6. This principle is exampled by the Triune God. a. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). b. "What is the little sacrifice that we can make, in comparison with God's great gift of His only begotten Son?" (Christian Service, p. 217). 7. All men are stewards saints or sinners, saved or unsaved. All receive God's blessings. a. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). b. "...that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). No permission needed to reprint.

6 Page 6 - Niles Westside News Spring Showers & Blooms by Tami le Roux, Director Has spring sprung yet? Some days it feels like it, others not so much. The Adventurers are running a Spring Bulb fundraiser - there are Hostas, Lilies, Strawberry plants, and more! Please make sure you get your order in by speaking to an Adventurer by March 21, or go to this online order form: nilescaterpillaradventurers.php (order online by April 17). Have you seen all the new photos from the Adventurers meetings? We have been busy! In February, we completed some curriculum, went swimming, and did our Astronomy Award. We have some classes that have completed their Butterfly, Listening, and Whale awards too. In January, we completed our Sign Language Award, and the kids learned to sign a song and our pledge. We are rapidly heading towards the end of the school year - but do not despair, we still have quite a few things planned for March, April and May. Adventurers is only meeting once in March for our Prayer Warrior Award on the 21st. On the 28th, Unlock Revelation begins, so there will be no Adventurers. We will be praying for all who attend. In April, we have our Fitness and Gymnast Awards coming up too, not to miss! Are you praying for Adventurers? We need to keep families in prayer as we enter Spring and as we go into Unlock Revelation. Satan does not want families to be healthy, strong, and Christ-focused. Please pray for Christ to be reflected in all of our families lives, that we can be Jesus to the World. Pathfinder News You Can Use by April Hughes, Deputy Director March/April 2016 Many thanks to everyone for supporting our annual Dinner Under the Stars Fundraiser, which raised a little more than $900. We are still praying that more monetary donations will come in to cover the cost of new tents and camp tables. We still need to raise around $1,200 to be able to purchase all of the needed equipment. Donations can be made through the church by marking your tithe envelope "Pathfinders." Thank you again for your continued support! On another note, we would like to extend an invitation to all fourth graders and other youth in grades 5-10 to join us for a special Experience Pathfinders meeting from 6:30-8:30 pm, on Wednesday, March 23, in the school gym. The invitation is also extended to adults who are interested in volunteering with the club and becoming staff members. At this meeting, you will get to participate in club activities and experience what we do at a regular club meeting. The evening will include worship, drill and march, and small group activities. If you are curious about Pathfinders, have questions, or are interested in joining the club as a member or staff, this meeting is for you. Join us and be blessed! Collecting Care Kit Items: The Pathfinder Club is collecting items to put together personal care kits for a Share Your Faith project. We will be collecting them through Sabbath, April 16. Please bring items to the church and drop them off in the designated area. Items that we are collecting include the following: shampoo and conditioner, bar of soap, wash cloth or small towel, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, lip balm, hair brush or comb, and small packs of tissue. If you have questions about the Pathfinder program, or if you would like to give a donation or sponsor a Pathfinder, please contact Janessa Howell at or janessa.howell@gmail.com. Thank you for your prayers! Candle Making Honor Photo by Rodrick Snow Astronomy Award Photo by Tami le Roux

7 March/April 2016 Page 7 - Niles Westside News C h u rc h Fa m i l y News It's a Girl! Armonii Jovana Miranda Riley, daughter of Frank Riley & Kendra Goins, and granddaughter of Jackie & Greg Barney, was born on December 3, 2015, weighing 7 lbs 11 oz. Congratulations! Our Sympathy: Jack Wright passed away on January 23. Bernita Hainey passed away on February 5. Gavin & Heather Pfeifle's mom passed away in March, as did Althea Joseph's brother and uncle, Lorraine Thames' father, and Karla Dennis' mother. Please keep their families in your prayers. Welcome to Our New Church Treasurer: Randal Mack It's a Boy! Malakai Anthony Duis surprised his family by being born a month early on March 15, 2016, at 7:05 a.m. He weighed 3 lbs 10 oz, and was 16.5 inches long. Congratulations to Alison & Anthony, and older siblings Colton, McKenna, and Kamdyn! Welcome New Members: Kimberly Cruz from Stevensville Adventist Church, Stevensville, MI Kristy Brown from College Park Adventist Church in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada James Joe Brown from Stevensville Adventist Church in Stevensville, MI Water for Flint: At the end of January, Niles Westside was asked to help collect water for Flint, MI, due to lead contamination there. Our members and friends, as well as others in the area, responded, and Mike Villwock helped AU seminary students and others take more than 1,000 cases of water to Flint. Thank you for your support for this ongoing relief effort! ~ Photo provided by Latina Carriger Recipe from the Healthy Desserts Cooking Class: Farewell to Our Members: David & Leah Stratton to South Bend First Adventist Church, South Bend, IN Timothy & Laura Taylor to Lake Wales Adventist Church, Lake Wales, FL Anna Kerr to East Ridge Adventist Church, East Ridge, TN Cynthia & Waverly Tyson to South Bend First Adventist Church, South Bend, IN

8 Page 8 - Niles Westside News March/April 2016 Niles Adventist School Q Q Michael Jakobsons, Principal Like us on Facebook! We bring our children to Jesus to be touched by His love, trained for service, and educated for Heaven. Staff Changes at NAS As you may know, in early February both Mr. Jakobsons and Miss Snell announced that they will not be returning to NAS next school year. After a thorough search process, the School Board is pleased to welcome the following new staff members for the school year: Mr. William Crawford, Principal and Grades 7 & 8 Teacher: Mr. Crawford comes to us from Kalamazoo Junior Academy, where he is the principal and teaches grades 3 and 4. This is his 20 th year of teaching, and he has taught in grades 1-8 over the years. Mr. Crawford has a Master s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He will co-teach grades 7 and 8 with Mrs. Taylor. He lives in Dowagiac with his wife, Katrina, and son, Will Gavin. Mrs. Staci Fagal, Grades 5 & 6 (Half-time): A Niles Westside church member, Mrs. Fagal returns to NAS after taking a hiatus to have and stay home with her four children Adeléna, Rett, Griffin, and Levi. She previously taught Pre- K and Kindergarten, as well as grades 6-8, at NAS. During her six years of teaching experience, Mrs. Fagal has taught all grades. She has an Elementary Education degree with a minor in Language Arts. She is married to Bill Fagal, and they live in Berrien Springs. Mrs. Monica Nudd, Grades 5 & 6 (Half-time): Mrs. Nudd is currently the principal and grades K-4 teacher at South Bend Junior Academy. She has a Master s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in teacher leadership and mathematics. A teacher since 2005, Mrs. Nudd is married to Jared Nudd. They live in South Bend. I am especially pleased that these teachers will be joining our staff. I have known about them for a long time (Staci was my daughter s teacher) and have recognized their talent for excellence. We are fortunate that all of them have agreed to be part of our team. Please continue to keep NAS in your prayers as we make these transitions in the upcoming months. Thank you! - Doug Fattic, School Board Chair Preview Day Thursday, April 14, from 8:30 a.m. 12 p.m. (free lunch included for guests) Come Make a Splash at NAS! Please see our web site or Facebook page, or call the school office, to RSVP for Kindergarten 8 th grade guests. There will be a Prospective Parent Meeting at 6 p.m.

9 March/April 2016 Page 9 - Niles Westside News The funds raised at this year s Silent Auction will be used for updating classroom technology. Thank you for your support! Photo by Randal Mack $196 was raised recently for NAS from Box Tops for Education that were turned in at school and church. Thanks! Math-A-Thon Fundraiser In February, NAS students raised $1, for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by participating in a Math-A-Thon. Congratulations to Matthew Horvath, who was the top fundraiser to help sick kids and their families! 8th Graders at Camp Au Sable for Teen Bible Camp with Mr. Jakobsons. - February 2016 See our Facebook page for more pictures. Photo by Andrea Jakobsons

10 Page 10 - Niles Westside News March/April 2016 Deborah Burlingame 1 Bruce Bauer 2 Lucy Jann Kaoma Chende 3 Cecilia Prouty William Prouty Luke Rogers Walter Quist 5 Gavin Zindoga Tami McClellan 6 Lynn Bradford 8 Sungita Chung Marga Prouty Michael Robbins David Scroggs Colton Duis 10 Alexa Leonor Richard Makungu Dawn Safstrom Alison Duis 12 Helen Krall Christopher Ruedinger 13 Beautie Mondol 15 Rand Rusher Roy Kingman 16 Michelle Oliphant 17 Tyler le Roux 18 Charles Bayles 19 Chioma Ejiofor Patricia Klemm Benjamin Paramiah Andrea Thames Aldar Nommik 21 Abbey Bredenkamp 22 Elizabeth Patterson Jeanne Sorensen Brina Irwin 23 Trisha Robertson Benjamin Panigot 24 Tamara Storie 25 Jennifer Constable 26 Ruth Miller Bonnie Benner 28 Jesse Boomsliter 29 Susan Ellis Rashell Rogers Donald Irwin 30 Sabrina Seigal Jamison Bennett 31 B I R T H D A Y S Chandel Lawrence 1 Luis Leonor 2 Sandra Moore Dorothy Quinones Peter Shameerudeen Robert Benjamin Sr. 3 Ryan Edwards Victor Zubar Isabel Prouty 4 Noah Villwock Philip Ashton 6 Walt Williams Jack Einhorn 7 Sara Herzberg Amy Shameerudeen Regina Tyson Claire Hill 8 Michael Ringler Carla Snow Zachary Benjamin 9 Christopher Corzine 10 Daniel Dennis Jr Craig McClellan Katie Reitz Kristy Brown 11 Susan Hobson Hope Janesheski Ellia Koleda Zelma Tenhoopen Sharon Constable 12 Timothy Dockerty Jason Payne Gil Bell 14 Kimberly Corzine 14 Dagmar Benner 15 Chad Bell 16 Frances Burton Adam Fenner Denise Kidder Callie Carlsen 18 Evan Peak Patricia Rusher 18 Todd Bell Dan Minter Sr Lucile Wadsworth Nicole Gray 20 Daphne Kent Derek Wright Thandanani Mangena 21 Lynn Merklin Zachary Safstrom 22 Caleb Snow Melody Edwards 23 Griffin Fagal April Hughes 24 Kara Murphy Randal Mack 25 Glory Einhorn 27 Shantel Luzadder 28 Frank Riley Kara Benavides 29 Elinor Peshka Salina Smith Florencia Tudor La Vonde Velez 30 NAS Second Grade Skit at Talent Night Photo by Tami le Roux Sledding & Games Social Photo by Randal Mack