Echoes of

Eastwood

LakesNaz

October 1, 2015

LAKESNAZ

October 1, 2015 Volume 1. Issue 8.

ECHOES OF EASTWOOD

A common theme has emerged in my life. Every spring I get so excited about the summer. I plan on getting lots of things done, spending lots of time outside, and enjoying summer. Every summer the same thing happens, late August arrives and I wonder where the time went? I had planned on reading

several books or trying some new restaurant or checking out some new park, but instead I wonder where the time went? This theme seems to be constant.

What I have really noticed is that the year has rhythms, in fact I think life is full of rhythms. Sometimes the rhythm is fast and cha-

otic and it is full of unknowns. To be honest, this is the rhythm I live in more than I would like to admit. Sometimes the fast and chaotic

rhythm is caused by things outside of my control, a sick child for example. In moments when the chaotic rhythm is caused by some-

thing out of my control it is important to remember I cannot control all circumstances. You have probably had a few seasons where your

life rhythm was chaotic, am I right?

There are other seasons where the chaotic rhythm is caused by my own business, by my sense of a need to be productive, or by my

sense that there must be something achieved. In these seasons I rarely step back and realize that the chaos is of my own making!

Have you ever experienced these rhythms in life as well?

The reality for me is that I know there is another rhythm in life that I am called to live into. It is a rhythm that is full of smooth, calming music. It is the kind of rhythm that

brings a sense of relief and helps life stay in perspective. When my life is lived in this rhythm the season of life is much better. In fact I think this is the rhythm that God calls us to live into.

On my desk I have a little desk ornament made of glass that has a verse inscribed on it. It says, “Be still

and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. It sits on my desk as a reminder that life seems to always get cha-

otic, that the rhythm of life can sometimes get so out of tune no one can follow it. However, I believe

that if you and I were to step back and “be still” before God, regardless of the chaos around, we will find

the good rhythm of life. As we move into fall and out of summer, will you join me in seeking to “be still”

and live into the great rhythm that we only find in Jesus?

Pastor Aaron Gregory

“Rhythm of Life”

Recently, I read an article in a family ministry magazine called “HomeFront Magazine.” I read this magazine every month because I enjoy how practical the articles are for families. Every issue offers a craft for families to do together that stems from a monthly family verse as well as various arti-cles to aid in table talk discussions and family discipleship. One specific article stood out to me this month. It was entitled “Creator of All.” The focus of this article is about teaching children the differ-ence between Creator and created. Most of us, if we are professing Christians, have heard of a phrase sounding similar to this, “True worship is a way of life.” Paul even speaks to this in Acts 17:28-19, “In him we live and move and have our being… Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being [the Godhead] is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.”

Worship is not about incorporating the things we love into an act for worship. It is about adoring God as Creator of all, and everything else that He created is subject to Him. Why? Because God deserves to be worshipped as Creator by the created. What stems from being the created, is something great. Being made in the image of our Creator, perfectly sets us up for true worship of our Creator. In that truth alone, as His created beings, it is crucial that we focus on the value that He gives us. We can get caught up in worshiping the image of Christianity, or the things of God in-stead of God himself. For example, it is easy to worship the routine of our quiet time instead of God in the quiet time. One of my favor-ite authors, Michelle Anthony, says in her book Spiritual Parenting, “…once you grasp the magnitude of who you are in Christ, it will affect everything else.” Living in our true identity puts Creator and created in proper perspective.

Believe me, teaching children the difference between Creator and created can feel challeng-

ing. However and to quote my favorite line from the article, “living and moving and having your being

as created not Creator, will be more caught than taught.” We get to see God engaging in our every-

day grind of life and recognizing that is a part of living worship! Helping children see these moments

is how we help them grasp the ways in which our lives are infused with the work of the Holy Spirit. For

a child, this living worship looks more like wonder. So, families, encourage wonder in living, moving,

and being. Simply take a family walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby park. Adore the Crea-

tor through an admiration of trees and flowers. Use that time as an opportunity to point out the

things that people make, like a slide or a swing set, and be sure to note the difference. Finally, pray

together. You may never know how impactful it is for your children to see you praying. Together, tell

God how beautiful He is! Enjoy His creation together this month, but worship Him!

Pastor Marcie Thompson

“The Creator and the created”

Page 3 ECHOES OF EASTWOOD

“Autumn”! Do you think of apple cider, donuts, football, a campfire, hunting, or sweaters? I like pump-kins. I like anything pumpkin and will enjoy anything pumpkin I can find.

“Routine”! Autumn gets us back in routine again with its pros and cons. My mind has been dreaming about spending time with friends in Bible Study, and about our fall calendar of exciting events. Growth Track is one of them.

Growth Track is a brand new, hot-off-the-press, happening at TheLakesNaz. I hope you’ve already begun hearing the buzz about it. Please give me a paragraph or two to explain.

Growth Track is meant as a bridge for our guests as well as those among us that have attended two or less years. It will include discussions for learning and discovery, for getting some answers, for finding your place, and for forging connections here at The Lakes. Any age learner can sign up in person, online, or on the phone.

Conversations will be broken into four topics: 101: LakesNaz - Who? 201: Essentials - Diggin’ Deeper 301: Discovery - Gifted? Me? 401: In The Game – What position do you play?

We’ll meet every Sunday, 12:30-2:00, in room 101. You can participate in all four discussion in one month, or spread them out over time: topic 101 will be on the first Sunday of the month, 202 on the sec-ond, etc. Our schedule is flexible to fit yours. Lunch and childcare will be provided. One last, very important matter…Community Groups! Community Groups are simply any gathering of people for a multiple number of reasons, on a regular or semi-regular basis throughout the year for the purpose of loving and serving God and others. Community Groups can provide:

Bible Study – Others will strengthen and balance the Word of God in your life.

Prayer – Your group will pray for you and you for them, with respect for privacy.

Fellowship – Groups develop a sense of belonging.

Support – A group gives backing during tough times.

Outreach – Others may need to hear your story. How do I find a group? See information on the church’s website: http://lakescommunitynaz.com/

Attend Growth Track discussions after church on Sundays.

Create your own group. See one of our pastors or ministry part-ners to get started.

“Onya” (Which means “Blessings on YOU!”) Dennese DeYoung Connections Ministry Partner

“Connections Ministries”

Page 4 ECHOES OF EASTWOOD

Page 5 VOLUME 1. ISSUE 8.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY &

ANNIVERSARY!

October 10 - Ted & Dian Torrey 14 - Paul & Donetta Jager 18 - Rev. William E. Sr. & Mary E (Betty) Naill 22 - Troy & Anna Bulson 30 - Jack & Sheryl Bultema 31 - Glenn & Cathy Parks

November 1 - Reid & Brittany Takken 5 - Mike & Nancy Bon 11 - Jack & Elaine Baun 25 - Kevin & Mei Li Paul “Lee” & Diane Schulte

Birthdays

October 1- Michael McGregor 3- Joel Wiard William Harper 6- Jerry Wright 7- Joseph Morales Karen Boeve 8- Anna Bulson 11- Hannah Smith Michelle “Shelley” Mitchell Windy Tibbitts 12- Samantha Fox 13- Ann Olson 14- Don Beishuizen 18- Haley May 19- Diane Myers Eden Bridenstine Karen Thorstenson Mike Lautenschleger Mike McGregor 21- Nathan Hancock 23- Marge Hampton 24- Ayreanna Hesselink 25- Clifford Davey Erica Gonzalez 26- Michael Lake Hancock Nancy Bon 28- Bear Dendel Tonya Newton 30- Amber Forrest Charlene Brentana Dian Torrey Lavern Shell 31- Jeremy Ruiz Mike Gregg

November 2 - Dawn Elmer Mandy Konkel 3 - Desiree Jhandi Bulson William Blakeslee 8 - Greg Carlson Jacqueline Smith 9 - Holly Hazekamp 13 - Brian Smith Candy Crane 15 - Keenan Burns Leah Fry Steve Carlson 16 - Bea Smith 17 - David Sternberg Edward Smith 18 - Erika Larson 19 - Lou Underhill 20 - Treyton Hazekamp 23 - Kathy Giddings 24 - Bryan Morales 26 - Louise Shirey Pam Carlson Ryley Sikkenga 27 - Noah Cadle 29 - Jenna Shappee 30 - Derrek Wilczynski

Anniversaries

Thursday, 1st 10:30 am Bible Study! Saturday, 3rd 9:00 am 5K Run/Walk at Heritage Landing Monday, 5th 11:00 am M.M. Fun Day - Golden Corral Meet at church at 11 Wednesday, 7th 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm SonShine Fellowship Service 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 8th 10:30 am Bible Study! Monday, 12th 10:30 am M.M Fun Day - Color Tour Meet at church at 10:30 Tuesday, 13th 6:30 pm Christian Ed. Meeting 7:30 pm Board Meeting Wednesday, 14 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 15th 10:30 am Bible Study! Monday, 19th 12:00 pm M.M. Fun Day - Games Wednesday, 21st 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 22nd 10:30 am Bible Study! Saturday, 24th 10:00 am Coffee & Conversation w/ Pastor Marcie Big Apple Bagel - Apple Ave. Monday, 26th 12:00 pm- M.M.- Potluck & Worship Service Wednesday, 28th 6:00 pm Fall Festival Thursday, 29th 10:30 Bible Study!

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Page 6 VOLUME 1. ISSUE 8.

Monday, 2nd 7:00am Coffee & Conversation w/ Pastor at Panera 12:00 pm M.M. Fun Day (Location yet to be determined) Wednesday, 4th 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm SonShine Fellowship Service 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 5th 10:30 am Bible Study! Monday, 9th 12:00 pm M.M. Fun Day (Location yet to be determined) Tuesday, 10th 6:30 pm Christian Ed. Meeting 7:30 pm Board Meeting Wednesday, 11th 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 12th 10:30 am Bible Study! Friday, 13th 7:30 pm Marriage Retreat Saturday, 14th 7:30 pm Marriage Retreat Monday, 16th 12:00 pm M.M. Fun Day (Location yet to be determined) Wednesday, 18th 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Thursday, 19th 10:30 am Bible Study! Saturday, 21st 10:00 am Coffee & Conversation w/ Pastor Marcie Big Apple Bagel - Apple Ave. Monday, 23rd 12:00 pm M.M. Fun Day (Location yet to be determined) Wednesday, 25th 6:00 pm Prayer 6:30 pm KidZone 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:45 pm Q & A Sunday, 29th 6:00 pm Hanging of the Greens

Monday, 30th 12:00 pm M.M.- Potluck & Worship Service

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Page 7 VOLUME 1. ISSUE 8.

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In 1960 a group of people left what was Muskegon First Church of the Nazarene and planted a church on the southeastern part of Muskegon. They named the

church, Eastwood Church of the Nazarene. It was affectionately called just “Eastwood” by most. As time progressed and opportunities arose there came a time in which changing the name to The Lakes Community Church of the Naza-rene seemed a good move. Now, the church is often called “The Lakes” rather

than Eastwood, but there will always be “echoes” of Eastwood in the days ahead. It seems rather fitting that the monthly newsletter remind us of the be-

ginning and of a group of people who dreamed big dreams. May the dreams on-ly get bigger as God does his work, and may “Echoes of Eastwood” remind us of

the past and help us look to the future.

LAKESNAZ

2270 S. Mill Iron Rd. Muskegon, MI 49442

Phone: 231-773-2812 Fax: 231-773-7773

We’re on the web!

www.lakescommunitynaz.com