Newsletter December 13, 2017 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 NASB We cannot begin to express the excitement and anticipation that is buzzing around here at The AG Church about Nights of Music.The directors, the cast, the choir, musicians and all involved, from every angle have invested hundreds of hours making this year’s Nights of Music sure to be one of the best! One of the most priceless parts of this year’s performance, “Two From Galilee” is that the beautiful, unmatchable story of Jesus will be told. This isn’t just any story but the story of the One who changes lives. Jesus is still very interested in changing our lives and those around us. Maybe there is someone in your life, a co-worker, a neighbor, family or friend who is questioning who Jesus is or needs Him to change their life. Consider inviting and bringing them to Nights of Music with you! What a simple and awesome way for them to discover Jesus--His story, His power and His love. After all isn’t that what Christmas is all about? As you are making plans and inviting others we encourage you to try and attend our Thursday and Saturday evening performances as our Friday and Sunday performances are almost at capacity. Tickets are limited for the other performances and are available online at www.willmarag.org (click the banner) and in the church office. We cannot wait to see you all and enjoy time together this Christmas! The Night of Music offering this year will go to the Kandiyohi County Area Food Shelf. They serve an average of 700 households a month with a food order and an additional 100+ people daily that come for produce. Forty percent of those served are children under the age of 18! The Food Shelf recently added on to their facility in order to handle the increasing demand in our County and therefore are in need of more general operating money to help pay for it. They are open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am–3:45 pm.
Transcript
NewsletterDecember 13, 2017
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, sothat He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5 NASB
We cannot begin to express the excitement andanticipation that is buzzing around here at The AGChurch about Nights of Music.The directors, the cast,the choir, musicians and all involved, from everyangle have invested hundreds of hours making thisyear’s Nights of Music sure to be one of the best!
One of the most priceless parts of this year’sperformance, “Two From Galilee” is that the beautiful,unmatchable story of Jesus will be told. This isn’t justany story but the story of the One who changes lives.Jesus is still very interested in changing our lives andthose around us.
Maybe there is someone in your life, a co-worker, aneighbor, family or friend who is questioning whoJesus is or needs Him to change their life. Considerinviting and bringing them to Nights of Music with you!What a simple and awesome way for them todiscover Jesus--His story, His power and His love.After all isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
As you are making plans and inviting others weencourage you to try and attend our Thursday andSaturday evening performances as our Friday andSunday performances are almost at capacity. Tickets are limited for the other performances andare available online at www.willmarag.org (click thebanner) and in the church office. We cannot wait tosee you all and enjoy time together this Christmas!
The Night of Music offering this year will go to theKandiyohi County Area Food Shelf. They serve anaverage of 700 households a month with a food orderand an additional 100+ people daily that come forproduce. Forty percent of those served are childrenunder the age of 18! The Food Shelf recently addedon to their facility in order to handle the increasingdemand in our County and therefore are in need ofmore general operating money to help pay for it. They are open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am–3:45 pm.
If you have a birth, wedding or death announcement for our church, please let someone in the officeknow and send a picture of them. Call 320-235-2529 or email [email protected].
HAS YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE OR EmAIL CHANgED? Please contact the
church office with any household changes so weare able to contact you with information pertainingto you and your family about the church or upcoming events.
Free access to a streaming, online, access-on-any-device library of over 10,000 video Biblestudies, leadership videos and kids shows. Gethelp with parenting, marriage, discipleship, etc., forall ages of life. Family members can set up theirown accounts. Go to www.willmarag.org, select“MEDIA,” at the top right and then click “RightNowMedia” and follow the on-screen prompts.
To hear this Sunday’s worship, follow our Spotifyplaylist. Click “follow” to add it to your playlists.
HOSPITAL NOTICES Please call or email thepastoral staff or call the church office if you orsomeone in our church is having medical issues oris entering the hospital so that the pastoral staff cancontact and pray with them.
THE EXTRA TOUCH LIST is available at the Welcome Center. It is for those who need an “Extra Touch” through prayer, card or visitation. Please contact the church office if you or a familymember would like to be on this list.
ITEmS Of CONgRATULATIONS THAT ARENEwSwORTHY can be submitted to the church office by emailing [email protected] or calling the church office at 320-235-2529.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SUNDAYS Ushers, Greeters and Senders are needed,
contact Pastor Mike at 320-235-2529 if you arewilling to help in any of these areas.
We are so grateful for your faithful generosity!
We have five ways to give–in the service, throughSecureGive online, mobile app, text-to-give andour kiosks in the lobby. For information on digitalgiving go to www.willmarag.org or pick up a flyerat the Welcome Center or call 320-235-2529.
CHILDREN’S CORNER PRESCHOOLThere are multiple opportunities to bless Children’s Corner Preschool at The AG Church. If you would like to volunteer or donate items to Children’s Corner, please contact the director, Lynsey Pierce, at [email protected] out page 9 for information on an event that is happening soon.
Want to stay up-to-date with everything Kidsworld? Follow us at facebook.com/KidsworldWillmar for everything that’s going on! You can click the followbutton and choose “See First” to make sure you don’t miss our posts in your News Feed.
Wednesday night activities for kids. We have Mpact for elementary aged girls,Royal Rangers for elementary aged boys, and KidsworldJr. for preschoolers. Doorsopen at 6:10 pm. For more information email [email protected].
Junior Bible Quiz is a Bible memorization and trivia programdesigned to empower families to have fun learning God’s Word.The JBQ “Fact-Pak” consists of over 500 questions and answers about Bible facts, church doctrine and scripture memorization and is used in competition as well as family fun at home. As kids study the Fact-Pak they have a chance to compete against kids from around thestate and earn team and individual awards. Join us in the Kidsworld auditorium on Wednesdays at5:30 pm or email [email protected] for more info.
Treehouse Playdays Join us with your kiddos in Kidsworld on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am this school year. It's a great chance to hang out withother families and let the kids burn off some energy. Updates and info can be found at facebook.com/WillmarAGTreehouse.
KidsworldSunday Kidsworld and KidsworldJr. services begin at 9 and 10:45 am.
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“EPIK exists to be a safe place where every teenager knows they BELONG, where they DISCOVER the unconditional love of God and EXPERIENCE
a personal, life-changing relationship with God.”
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EPIK and Young Adults
Young AdultsA group of college students,
young professionals and young parents who gather for food,
fellowship, discussion and worship.Join us on Monday nights,
beginning at 6:30 pm at EPIK. All Young Adults are welcome tostop by on a Monday night or to
JOIN EPIK YTH January 26th and 27th for a valuable weekend that will deeply impact student hearts,teach them to serve others and make friendships that last a lifetime. Think camp, amission trip and small groups all in one. Consider investing in a young person inyour life this Christmas by sending them to The WKND. The cost is $45 (untilDecember 20) but the impact is priceless. This event just may change their life!You can find details and registration online at http://www.epik.us/the-wknd.
fine Arts Page
Please be in prayer for all aspects of thisyear’s Night of music.
Some specifics are:• HEALTH for all involved • tech people (sound and light systems) no problems at all• the people who will attend • musicians, timing, notes, etc.• actors will remember lines, actions, entrances & exits• singers will remember songs, entrances and exits on stage• children involved will do their parts well and be where they need to be when they need to be there
• Pastor Keith• Nancy Murphy• prop people, no tripping, props where they are suppose to be• car parkers, safety, warmth, drivers paying attention• pie servers• kitchen helpers• there would be no injuries to prevent anyone from attending • costume people, make up people• janitors • tickets takers• organizers• that God’s message will be welcomed and received and move out
through the people who attend • there will be good weather for all performances • safety on stage, steps, dark areas, in the parking lot, in the church, in the kitchen and fellowship hall, etc.
• blessing on the offering for Kandiyohi County Area Food Shelf• salvation for the people in our communities in this area n beyond• for things not mentioned on this list that need a prayer covering 5
You can also get tickets online bygoing to willmarag.org and click on the Night of Music bannerwhich will bring you toeventbrite.com where you canpick the date, time and number of the tickets you want and printthem at your convenience.
This year's production is a fully-staged musical set in Bible times.The story of two real people whoselives were touched by God: twopeople chosen by God to provide anearthly home for His Son. Here areMary and Joseph–a teenage girl anda young carpenter–alone, frightened,in love, faced with family conflict, ahostile world and an awesomeresponsibility. It is a story for youngand old alike; for everyone whofinds the Christmas tale a source oftimeless beauty and wonder.
Tickets are free, but they arerequired because most performancesare filled to capacity.
Doors open one hour prior toperformances, and pre-show begins30 minutes before the performance.
BEgINS
TOmORROw!FULL
SnapShotFrom Sunday’s Sermon
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TAKEAwAYS
The first 17 verses of Matthew reveal Jesus’ human origin; verses 18-25 reveal His divine origin.
An engaged, Jewish couple had very little contact during the betrothal periodto ensure the purity of the relationship.
God held the father primarily responsible for his daughter’s purity, and still does today. Relationships built on lust are superficial, selfish, and never satisfied. Relationships built on love are sacrificial, selfless, and easily satisfied.
Lust strips others to clothe itself. Love strips itself to clothe others.What made Mary’s story even more unbelievable is that
God had been silent in Israel for 400 years!
The Holy Spirit is one of three distinct persons of God.
There is a difference between doing everything right and doing the right thing.
The first is perfectionism and is concerned with looking good in the eyes of others; .
the second is excellence and is concerned with being faithful .in the sight of God. .
Joseph wanted to do the right thing. .“Jesus” was a common name in the first century, given as a prayer for God to save Israel.
Joesph was told to name the baby “Jesus” not as a prayer, but a promise.One day everyone will acknowledge Jesus is Lord. If you wait until it’s God’s idea, it’s too late.
Jesus entered our world so that we could enter His.Knowing Jesus personally transforms Him from “the” Savior to “my” Savior.
Not everyone will go to heaven, but anyone can go to heaven.
ACTION STEPS
Read Matthew 2 for next week; Read John 16 for more on the Holy Spirit.Parents - check out Right Now media for curriculum and ideas on teaching purity to children.
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gLOCAL: our global & local missions
give Big. Live Big.Give Big. Live Big. is about a lifestyle of gratitude and generosity. It leads to a life of blessing: enjoyingwhat we have instead of the curse of working harder and enjoying it less. God wants us to live above the stuff. He desires to be first in our lives and so He set up the principle of the tithe: giving Him the first10%. If He’s first in our wallets, He is first in our hearts as demonstrated in Matthew 6:21, “For whereyour treasure is, there your heart is also.”
We believe so much in the principle of the tithe that we are making a seismic shift in 2018. We are going to tithe as a church to missions. 10% of all the tithes will go to support our full-time missionaries.This means that everyone who gives is giving to missions. It’s very exciting!
What about the offerings that were given to missions every week? Great question. Those offerings willnow be called Kingdom Offerings. In accordance with Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8… “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We want to haveprojects at home (Jerusalem), in the region (Judea/Samaria), and around the world (the ends of theearth). We are starting with one project in each category, but will be adding others as we go.
Our local project in 2018 is investing in future leaders. We want to ensure that the next generation of this church has a heart and love for missions that exceeds our own. One of the ways to ensure that isfor them to experience missions firsthand. So, we will make sure every high school student has an opportunity to go on a missions trip by funding one of their trips.
Our regional project in 2018 is planting a church in Minnesota. There are hundreds of communities inMinnesota without a pentecostal presence. Our dream is to plant at least one church every year acrossthe state of Minnesota. This year we’ll be partnering with another church to plant one in a communitythat will be announced in the near future.
Our global project is adopting the country of Chad in Africa. 42% of Africans are still unreached. This means they have no access to the Gospel. We are on a mission to change that statistic starting with the nation of Chad. Our hope is that one day our Gospel efforts in Chad would have such an impact thatan accurate history of that country could not be written without including you.
We are excited to be on this journey with you–a journey of seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, a journey of generosity that changes the world around us, a journey of knowing the heart of God more and sharing it with the unreached and unchurched in our community and beyond.Join us in this adventure of Giving Big & Living Big.
For a more in-depth explanation, listen to Pastor Keith’s sermon from November 19th on the websitemedia player.
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C h u r c h A n n o u n c e m e n t s
End of Year ContributionsThank you for your year-end giving! Contributions youwould like credited to your account for 2017 must bereceived at the church office by Sunday, December 31,2017. If you mail a check it must be postmarked byDecember 31, 2017.
Our Sympathy & PrayersCorrection: Our sympathy andprayers go to the family andfriends of Cherie (Bonnema)Horton, daughter of MarcyBonnema, sister to Mike(Gwen) Bonnema. Cherie
passed away on December 5. Thememorial service was held December 8 atGulf Coast Church in Largo, Florida, 13301Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL, 33774.
A Christmas Gift IdeaLooking for the perfect Christmas gift foryour 2nd-5th grader? Send them to Kids’Camp! Make a $75 deposit toward Kids’Camp, June 15-18 and receive a Camp t-shirt to wrap and put under the tree. Fillout the form at the Welcome Center oremail [email protected].
Thank YouThank you to my church family for your love and support during the loss of mygrandmother. I am so blessed to be a partof a congregation that loves it’s people somuch. The family of Mianna Varner &Gretchen Ottness
Congratulations!To Bob & Connie D. (Burns) Hoytwho were united in marriage onSaturday, December 9 at theEncore Center.
Desserts Needed on Wednesdaysfor our Mustard Seed Moms
Ladies of The AG Church! It is time to sign up again forhelping our single mom’s ministry on Wednesday nights.Each Wednesday night we need 4 people to bring adessert and to stay and help with service and cleanup.It’s super easy and fun and things are usually completedby 6:45-7 pm. Please sign up in the church foyer or at [email protected] to bring dessert to the kitchenby 5:45 pm on any of the Wednesday’s from January toMay. Dessert could include bars, cookies, ice creamnovelties, cupcakes, etc.
PERSPECTIVES COURSEwhy: God has a “world-sized” role for every Christian in His global purpose.Whether people go to distant countries or stay at home is a secondary issue.The primary issue is what most people are hungry to discover: vision to livea life of purpose. Discovering that vision makes this course valuable, andperhaps crucial, for any Christian.
what: Perspectives is a fifteen-week course designed around four vantage points or “perspectives”Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God’s global purpose.when & where: Tuesdays, January 16–May 1, 2018, at Redeemer Lutheran Church located at1401 6th St. SW in Willmar.Cost: $250. HOWEVER, we value this course so much that we are willing to pay for half the class ofanyone who is a part of our church. You will get an initial 25% discount and upon completion of the classyou will be reimbursed the final 25% amount. Early bird registration is December 12th, 2017. To register orfor more information go to: www.perspectives.org.
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C h u r c h E v e n t s
A N N U A L B U S I N E S S m E E T I N g
DEACON NOmINATIONS: The NominatingCommittee would like to inform themembers of The AG Church in Willmar ofthe need to elect two new deacons at ournext Annual Business Meeting on Sunday,February 25, 2018. If you would like tosubmit a name for consideration, contactone of the Nominating Committee:Gary TerWisscha, Rick Schwindt, Wally Ammermann, Jim Hillenbrand or Pastor Keith Kerstetter by Tuesday, January 16, 2017.
RESOLUTIONS fOR ANNUAL BUSINESSmEETINg The Annual Business Meetingwill be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018.The bylaws direct that all resolutions besigned and turned in to the ResolutionsCommittee at least 45 days prior to theAnnual Business Meeting. All resolutionsneed to be turned in to members of theResolutions Committee by Thursday,January 11, 2018. Committee members are:Bruce Watland, Butch Allen, Gary Bonnema, Jim Butterfield and Pastor Keith Kerstetter.
The 2017 Annual Business Meetingis February 25th, 2018
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C o m m u n i t y E v e n t s
wILLmAR fAITH@wORK
COmmUNITY PRAYERWe meet at the Willmar Fire Station on Tuesdays from Noon to 1 pm.
All are welcome.Pray for our leaders, our schools, our businesses & our community.
BUSINESS PRAYER & fOCUSis held the 1st Wednesday of
every month at 7:45 am.
January 3 is atwillmar Bus Service
(1308 7th Street SE, Willmar)
CENTRAL MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTALL CMCS BAND ALUMNI are invited to play with the CMCS Pep Band on Alumni Night (January 5)at 6:50 pm. If interested, please email Devin Veenstra at [email protected]. Instruments areavailable if needed, and music will be available early if you'd like. Pieces will include “Final Countdown,”“We Didn't Start the Fire,” “Barbara Ann,” “Born to be Wild,” “On Wisconsin,” and many others. We hopeyou can join us!
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS is held the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at The Oaks.
There is a different speaker each month who gives a brief testimony of how they live out their faith at work. There is no cost to attend,
lunch is at your own expense.
On December 21Jay Bennet, a general corporate lawyer from
Minneapolis and Chairman of the Board for the National Christian Foundation will be speaking.
Church Activit ies Calendar December 2017/January 2018
Thank You for praying for our military.The following attend our church, are family members or close friends of those who attend.
Person Branch Stationed Ag Connection
Sam Andrus Air Force Undisclosed Phil Malone’s nephewEdward Bergeland Air Force USA Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nephewAndrew Bonnema Marines Undisclosed Todd & Sue Erickson’s niece’s husbandBeth Brydon Army Arizona Dan & Kathy Halldin friendNick Collins Army Reserve Texas CJ & Kristina Collins’ brother
Christina Eaton Navy Florida Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nieceJohn Eaton Navy South Carolina Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nephewKlint Erickson Army Missouri Kornell Erickson’s sonLogan Gaalswyk Army New York Lois & Dean Kasperson’s nephewLarry Garvick Army MNTyler Gonzalez Army Nat. Guard MN Jesus & Kelly Gonzalez’s son
Jeremy Hillenbrand Air Force Qatar (Jan-July) Josh Hiepler-Rosenow Air Force Minnesota Dorie & Todd Duininck’s nephewThomas J. (TJ) Hoyt Air Force Montana Bob Hoyt’s grandsonJacob Johnson Air Force TX Jim & Rose Slagter’s nephewJonathan Linden Cadet West Point Ed & Carmen Linden’s grandsonRay Medina Air Force Lois & Dean Kasperson’s nephew
Peter Middleton National Guard Washington DC Brett Nelson Special Forces North Carolina Andrew & Nicole Plowman’s brotherAlexander Norling Army Reserve USA Torry & Val Norling’s sonDalton Petersen Army Poland Harold & Sharon Petersen’s grandsonAlphard Reyes Marines Philippines Romeo & Stella Reyes’ sonBenny Rhodes Marines California Aaron & Hannah Rhodes’ brother
Mitchell Schueler Navy Reserve USAEli Smith Air Force Reserve MN Torry & Val NorlingNathan Smith Navy California Torry & Val Norling’s nephew Justin Stocks Navy Florida Mel & Linda Stocks’ sonJared Army TX Marilyn Geer & Sandi Larson’s great nephewGregory Woodard Navy Virginia Torry & Val Norling’s brother-in-law
If you know of someone you want on this list who is serving in the military, contact the church office at 320-235-2529.
