OVESTA EWS

January Issue

Published monthly by:

Novesta Church of Christ 2896 N. Cemetery Rd. Cass City, MI 48726

Phone: (989) 872-3658

novestachurch@yahoo.com

www.novestachurch.org

Brad Speirs, Senior Minister Josh Morford, Youth &

Family Minister

VOL. XXXX - - - No. 1 January 4, 2015

Unsung - Sunday Mornings in January We spend a lot of time talking about the BIG Names in the Bible, David, Abraham, Moses, etc. But what about the smaller names or even those that weren’t even named, what do their stories have to teach us? Why are they included in the scriptures? Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at some more ob-scure names and stories and perhaps in the process discover that EVERY story is important, and EVERY person matters, even us. We hope that you’ll join us as we explore some of the unsung heroes of the Bible. January 4th - Speak Up & Obey God January 18th - Show Up & Take a Stand January 11th - Give Up & Be Generous January 25th - Get Up and Keep Moving Forward

February 1st - Pick Up & Encourage Others

Sunday Nights are SUPER! Bible Bowl 5 - 6 p.m. Our Bible Bowl team has been busy studying and preparing for their upcoming trip to Indianapolis for a competition on January 10th. Financial Peace University 6 - 7:30 p.m. A 9 week Bible Study intended to help us make the most of what we’re giving. By understanding and living the 7 baby steps, Dave Ramsey leads us to a place of not just good finances, but true financial peace. We invite everyone that attended last year to join us for a refresher course, and we especially invite those that have never experienced the class to come and be a part. Our drumbeat is Imagine Freedom, and with the New Year, we hope that you’ll dream a little with us and Imagine Freedom in your life as well. Your Fi-nancial Peace journey starts January 11th @ 6 pm. Legacy Journey 6 - 7:30 p.m. A 7 week Bible Study about truly living as a steward of God’s gifts and blessings. The Legacy Jour-ney dives deep into God’s Word, revealing His perspective on wealth, your personal and family legacy, and how He wants to use you to further His kingdom work around the world. You can truly live - and leave - a legacy. The journey starts January 11th @ 6 pm. Student Ministry 6 - 8 p.m. Starting January 11th, our kids & student ministry will be launching a new curriculum. The basis of this curriculum is the idea that the Church and Parents need to work together to raise and teach our kids! We’re really excited about this launch and new start and we think that God has great plans for this moving forward. There will be an Orange training session on Thursday, January 7th. Talk to Josh for more informa-tion and get excited about going Orange. Beginner Bible Bowl 6 - 7 p.m. Our Beginner Bowl team has had the month of December off, but will resume practices on January 4th at 6 pm. This is a great chance for your kids to jump in and give beginner bowl a chance. We’re studying John 6 & 9 this month and the competition is February 7th. If you have a 2nd-5th grader, we’d love to have them join us this month for this fun ministry!

Co-Ed Volleyball Our adult co-ed volleyball league is starting in the next couple of weeks! The games will be at the Cass City Elementary gym and will be at 8:30PM and 9:30PM on Thursday nights. We have spots reserved for 2 teams, so we need to have at least 12 people total and 4 girls that are planning on playing. If you’re interested in join-ing the teams, please talk to Brad or call the church office. We’d LOVE to have you join us!

The craziness of the Christmas season has come to an end, the kids are back to school and now it’s time to get refreshed and rejuvenated by spending time with those who understand what a mom’s life is all about! All moms, all ages, and all stages are welcome to join us as we kick off our winter gath-erings! Thursday, January 29th will be our kick-off night as we gather to watch “Moms’ Night Out” - a laugh-out-loud funny, faith-filled comedy! We’ll meet here at the church at 6 pm. After that, we will be following our schedule from the fall with a Bible study once a month and a planned event once each month. The purpose of this group is to create a relaxed atmosphere where you are surrounded by people how care about you, to de-velop friendships, and to draw closer to our Savior who loves you, loves your family and understands everything you’re going through! Join us!

Expansion Project Pardon the dust, but we’re bust-ing out some walls and growing for God’s glory. Over the next few weeks we will be meeting in the gym for Worship as our auditorium is remodeled and expanded. We hope to be in our new auditorium by some time in Febru-ary. In the meantime, we can use a few extra hands, especially early on Sunday mornings to get the gym set up and ready for church each week. If you’re available, talk to Brad for more information. We are also seeking to raise $20,000 to replenish our general fund. We currently have just about $8,000 raised. If you feel led to contribute to this project, you can just put ‘building’ on your check.

Getting to Know Novesta New class starting January 11th @ 9:30. We invite everyone, but especially those newer to Novesta to join Brad for a 4 week class about the in’s & out’s of Novesta. The class will cover topics such as what we believe, how we’re structured, our history & more. There will also be lots of time to answer questions that the class members may have about Novesta. Hope to see you there!

Old Pews We’re replacing our seating in the auditorium and our pews are available to anyone that would like them. There have been about 10 of you that have expressed interest in taking one of the pews. As of the conclusion of the service on December 28th, anyone that wants a pew can take one from the auditorium. All of the pews will need to be picked up by January 9th. You may contact Gib Kern to help assist you in the loading of the pews.

BASKETBALL (in our gym)

THURSDAY

NIGHTS @ 7:00

SHINE - STUDENTS Launches January 11 - 6-8 PM

(for 6th grade thru High School)

SHINE - KIDS Relaunches January 14 - after school till 4:30

(for 4 yr. olds thru 5th grade)

LONG TERM PRAYER LIST

** Members Lester O’Dell - Emphysema

Quinton Simpson - coma (Dena Anderson's nephew)

Carol Hartman - (friend of Pat McIntosh)

Diane Wojtaszke - cancer (Ann Hartel contact)

**Heather Roberts - continued healing of MS

**Dena Anderson - extreme pain

Steve Wilkinson - aneurysm

Don Kruse - recovery

**Larry Harper - Intestinal problems

Tonya Armstrong - cancer (Sharron Hartwick’s niece)

Mark Pierson - (Zmierski’s cousin)

Lauren Hood - (Betty Powell contact)

**Leonard Hawkins - Lapeer

Rachael Maurer - recovery from auto accident

**Phil Klaus - Graves disease

Julie Patterson - chemotherapy

Les Auten III - Kidney disease

Elmer & Beatrice Micklash - Cancer (Nick Romzek’s grandparents) Joyce Brown - (Taylor & Kennedy’s grandmother)

Lee Nicol - ill health

Judy Ferguson - Lupus/cancer (Zmierski’s aunt)

Dorothy Pierson - nursing home (Zmierski’s aunt)

Janet Miller - cancer (Larry’s mom)

Leigh McConnell - cancer (Peggy Nordquist’s brother)

Patrick McConnell - tumor (Peggy Nordquist’s nephew)

Bob Hirn - ALS ATTENTION: If you know any of these on this list that are well and can be eliminated from it, please let the church office know.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at church

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at church

Church Phone Directory The directory is an important tool for our congre-gation. It is used to keep in touch and show that we care. Have you seen our motto? “The friendly church that cares.” The directory includes all those who attend at Novesta, it is not for members ONLY. So let the office know your information (so I can get the names spelled right) because we would really like to have you included. We just need your name (and children’s names), address, phone number, email address (optional), and any other information you would give us, like birth-days and anniversaries (they aren’t in the direc-tory but are included in our monthly Newsletters).

January 14 & 28 ~ 9 am - 3 pm If you have an interest in quilting, come join us. You don’t have to know how to sew. We tie the quilts and there are many different things you can do to participate. We really enjoy the fellowship while doing something that is of benefit to others. For instance, this year we have given out 124 quilts to women’s shelters, the home-less, those who are grieving, fire victims, etc. Our total for all the years we’ve been quilting is 634 plus the 500 we’ve done for hospice. So you see, we have a purpose and we want to show God’s love through it all.

Michigan Statewide Attention High School Students. March 13-15, Josh will be taking a group to Lansing for an in-credible weekend of worship, fellowship, and awesomeness! We know this is all quite a ways off, but we’ll need you to sign-up by Jan. 20(ish). Talk to Josh for more information or to sign-up.

We have two 5th Quarters this month: January 23rd & 30th. These great parties are FREE for all 7th-12th graders. Basketball, carpetball, foosball, Wii, Playstation, board games, cards, food and a friendly atmosphere! Any adult who is able to help us out in any way for these nights is encour-aged to come. Parties begin after the game and last until 11 pm! For more info, talk to Josh or Brad.

th Quarter

OUR MILITARY

Scott Brownson - (Tom & Doris Stimpfel’s nephew)

Jeremy Burns - (Sandra Yax’ nephew) Justin Fischer - (Tom & Doris Stimpfel’s nephew)

Matthew Harris - Hawaii (Sandra Yax’ nephew)

Toby Kilbourn - (Jim’s son)

Ben Knoblet - (Tim’s nephew) Matthew Peck - (Mark’s son)

Ryan Reid - (Jeff Hartel’s nephew)

Julie Roche Griffith - Air Force - Japan

Cody Ross - Japan

Jeffery Soldan - (Sandra Yax’ nephew)

Jason Spaulding - California (Pruitt’s son-in-law)

Brandon Speirs - Overseas

Joe Vandecar - Washington, D.C.

Marius Weilbach - (Jacques & Marsha’s son)

Cards & Notes

Thank you so much for the choir, the kid’s choir, the cast, and the technical/scenery peo-ple that were in the Christmas Cantata. You are true servants of our Lord. When you were

asked, you all were more than willing to do your part. We didn’t have to twist anyone’s

arms to help out. The message of “Jesus, Only Jesus” was heard that morning. Thank you

Choir for the gift card, too. That was very thoughtful. Donna Little From my heart I like to Thank everyone, for all the prayers & get well wishes, said for me while I was ill. I thank God every day for all the good peo-ple in our church who do so much for others. Thank you Brad for your visit and prayers with me. Also, the children for your beautiful carols & get well wishes. Hope you know how much it was appreci-ated. Bless you all. Your friend,

Elfriede Englehart

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

1/1 Mike Gaszczynski 1/1 Dena Anderson 1/1 Jessica Elston 1/3 Harold Little 1/4 Matthew Koepf 1/5 Emily Speirs 1/7 Shawna Kamrad 1/7 Doris Stimpfel 1/9 Kirstin Mika 1/10 Janie Kus 1/10 Chuck Peasley 1/12 Kristy Speirs 1/13 Michelle Hendrick 1/13 Tonya Ziehm 1/16 Katie Romzek 1/16 Keith Lowe 1/16 Lilli Steely 1/17 Deb Zmierski 1/17 Gib Kern 1//18 Jack Muska 1/18 Lilyon Roberts 1/19 Brian Hicks 1/19 Janet Wright 1/22 Dave Little 1/23 Kellie Speirs 1/24 Kennedy Brown 1/24 Devon Koning 1/24 (A) Barry & Kerry Brown 1/26 Emily Peters 1/27 JoEllen Bukoski 1/27 Shelli Herford 1/28 Kirsten Janos 1/29 Ron Speirs 1/29 Patty Peters 1/30 Amber Kus

Kristy & I, along with Josh, want to say thank you to the church family for your extreme generosity this Christ-mas season. We have great joy in serving alongside you throughout the year, and over the past few weeks we have been overwhelmed with gracious gifts. We are truly blessed to be a part of Novesta and look forward to a great 2015. Thank you again so much to all of you that gave so kindly and generously this year. With warm hugs,

Brad & Kristy & Josh

THOSE SERVING IN JANUARY

COMMUNION MEDITATION: 1/4 Joel Brandel 1/11 Ken Peters 1/18 Gib Kern 1/25 Fred Hicks DEACONS: Duane O’Dell Larry Thick Scott Hendrian Stu Venema Ed Nizzola USHERS: Barry Brown Mark Peck Andy Gray Mark Zmierski Greg Mika A.M. NURSERY: 9:30 a.m. (all month) - Janie & McKenzie Kus 10:30 hour: 1/4 Heather Roberts, JoEllen Bukoski & Mary Helen Pratt 1/11 Susie Hartwick, Kay Warner & Tiffany Gonzales 1/18 Shelli Herford, Kate Pohlod & Natasha Binder 1/25 Amy & Emily Peters & Heather McCormick 2/1 Robin Beckrow, Hailey, Madison & Taylor WORSHIP LEADERS: 1/4 Lauren Howard 1/11 Special Group 1/18 Kim Gray 1/25 Kristy Speirs SOUND SYSTEM: 1/4 Scott Hendrian 1/11 Ken Peters 1/18 Brian Hicks 1/25 Duane O’Dell POWER POINT: 1/4 Collin Hartwick 1/11 Carol Hicks 1/18 Ron Kampo 1/25 JoEllen Bukoski VIDEO RECORDING: 1/4 Garrett Roberts 1/11 Nick Romzek 1/18 Tyler Brandel 1/25 Lauren Bukoski COMMUNION PREPARATION & CLEAN-UP: Andy & Kim Gray

GREETERS: 1/4 9:30 (gym) Gib & Pam Kern (center) Scott & Robin Hendrian 10:30 (gym) Steve & Andrea Ross (center) Mike & Carol Gaszczynski 1/11 9:30 (gym) Beckrow family (center) Garold & Jamie Peasley 10:30 (gym) Chris & Stacey Wilcox (center) Phil & Cindy Klaus 1/18 9:30 (gym) Barry & Kerry Brown (center) Rob & Susie Hartwick 10:30 (gym) Duane & Kathy O’Dell (center) Keith Little & Ron Speirs 1/25 9:30 (gym) Virgil & Amy Peters (center) Doris Hendrick & Elfriede Englehart 10:30 (gym) Jeff & Ann Hartel (center) Ron & Ann Roche 2/1 9:30 (gym) Les & Bev Auten (center) Doris Stimpfel & Janet Wright 10:30 (gym) Ken & Patty Peters (center) Mary Lou Spencer & Jean Schulz JUNIOR CHURCH: Leaders: 2’s-3’s: 1/4 Chris & Stacey Wilcox 1/11 Scott & Robin Hendrian & Amber Warju 1/18 Bill & Amy Claerhout 1/25 Jordan & Amber Kus 4’s-1st: Sharron Hartwick 2nd-4th: Josh Morford Song Leaders: 1/4 Sharron Hartwick 1/11 Lauren Bukoski 1/18 Beth Mellendorf 1/25 Belle Hiles

FACTS & FIGURES

Average weekly attendance for the month of December:

A.M. Worship … 282

Offering average for December:

Sunday Offerings……….…$5,978.24 (Budget per Sunday: $4,135)

Auditorium expansion project;

Received to date: $12,812.50 Goal: $20,000

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

Gym RSVD 10 am - noon

3

Fellowship area RSVD by

Jackie Warju

4

Fellowship area RSVD by

Little family

5 6

Ladies Bible Study - 10 :00 am

Men’s Bible

Study - 7:00 pm

7

Orange Training Meeting 6:30 pm

8

Basketball in our gym - 7:00 pm

9

RSVD by Marideth Nizzola

10

Bible Bowl Competition

Youth Kickoff

Concert

11

SHINE - Students resumes

6:00-8:00 pm

12 13

Ladies Bible Study - 10 :00 am

Men’s Bible

Study - 7:00 pm

14

Quilting 9 am

SHINE - Kids

Resumes 3:30-4:30 pm

15

Basketball in our gym - 7:00 pm

16

Saginaw Soup Kitchen - 8:50 am

17

18

“Sanctity of Human Life”

Sunday

19 20

Ladies Bible Study - 10 :00 am

Men’s Bible

Study - 7:00 pm

21

SHINE - Kids 3:30-4:30 pm

22

Basketball in our gym - 7:00 pm

23

RSVD by Jodie Mika

12:30-3:30 pm

5th Quarter Party

24

25 26

Elders Meeting 7:00 pm

27

Ladies Bible Study - 10 :00 am

Men’s Bible

Study - 7:00 pm

28

Quilting 9 am

SHINE - Kids 3:30-4:30 pm

29

Mom’s Bible Fellowship - 6 pm

“Movie Night”

Basketball in our gym - 7:00 pm

30

RSVD by Marideth Nizzola

5th Quarter

Party

31

SUNDAY SCHEDULE Bible School ~ 9:30-10:20 a.m.

Worship ~ 10:30 a.m. Bible Bowl ~ 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Financial Peace U. ~ 6:00-7:30 p.m. Legacy Journey ~ 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Beginner Bible Bowl ~ 6:00-7:00 p.m. Student Ministry ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m.

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