What a great time we had last Friday evening! Come down tonight and enjoy an evening together with your church family and interacting with your community. Wear your blue shirts and come to each of these events as we continue the pursuit!

TONIGHT (7/22) & August 5Friday Night Live in downtown Ludington

6:00 - 9:00 pm

 

West Michigan Fair:
Wed.  July 27- Sat. July 30

There will be a sign-up list to help at the booth on Sunday. See Tim Alley. Last year we were able to share the Lord with over 200 people. Come out and Join the Pursuit with us!

Scottville Harvest Festival

September 15-17

This Week:
Tonight(22):  Friday Night Live Downtown Ludington
Sunday (24):  Youth floating event. See Mike & Sherry Motcheck
Wednesday (27) - Lamplighters & Senior Moments will be joining  together due to no church on Sunday am on August 7th. This will be the Senior Moments Pot Luck. We will be meeting at Lynn & Christine Thompson's home at 4343 N. Beaune Rd. We will begin at 6:00 pm. Bring a dish to pass and join the fun.
Wednesday - Saturday (27-30) - West Michigan Fair Outreach Booth.

Sunday, July 31st - Missions Sunday

Nathan and Jess Alley from Youth With A Mission Denver will be sharing with us.
Nathan and Jess have a heart for the Nations. Nathan grew up in Ludington and went to his DTS in Denver in 2004. They have been on staff at YWAM Denver since 2005. Nathan is the Financial and Legal Administrator of the base and is leading his second Musicians DTS (Discipleship Training School) this fall.
Jess is the Food Service Director and is actively raising their two sons, Shane (4) and Asher (2).
Come and hear what God is doing in their lives and in the lives of the young people being trained and going out to the Nations from YWAM/Denver.

Looking Ahead:
Sunday, August 7 - No am service. We will be meeting at the Scottville Band shell @ 5pm for a family picnic. Bring meat to grill for your family and a dish to pass. The church will provide hot dogs for guests and lemonade for all.
Sunday, August 28 - Baptism Service

Sunday, September 4 - No am service. Family Fest Event in the evening at the church.

Wednesday, September 7 - Special meeting with Missionary Michael Hersch. Watch for more information on this special evening.

November 11-12, 2011 - The Call Detroit. Twenty-four hours. Thousands will gather to fast and pray - daring to believe America could turn back to God. For more information visit TheCall.com/Detroit for more information or to register for this historic event. See Robin Hubbard if you need a ticket.





 

Join the Pursuit

What is your pursuit? It is to have a closer walk with God? Is it to hear God and do what He says? Is it to reach out to my neighbor who you don't know and begin to build a relationship with them? Do you need to know what your pursuit is?


That's what we're doing at Prayer and Praise this summer! We are a church in pursuit!  During the next few weeks we will be out in our community at Friday Night Live, the West Michigan Fair and in Scottville for a Sunday Night picnic and service and at the Harvest Festival. We are pursuing what God has for those who live, work and play in Ludington. We would love to have you join us! Look for our booth at each of these events.

Friday Night Live in Downtown Ludington 6:00 - 9:00 pm


July 15 - July 22 - August 5

West Michigan Fair:       August 27-30

Scottville Harvest Festival
September 15-17
Contact Tim Alley for more information and to sign up to help at the booth. 231-690-7881.


Church Events for the Week of July 18 - 23


Sunday, July 17th - 5pm - 7 pm  Ladies Fellowship Soup at Karen Petersen's home 103 E. Pere Marquette St. in Ludington. We will be having soup, fellowship and a time of sharing. Bring a friend!

Monday, July 18th - Mountain Movers Spiritual Warfare class will be meeting at the church at 7pm. For more information contact Jim or Susie Snyder 231-723-2893.


Lamplighter's Life Group meets on Wednesday evening at Dick & Darlene Bettison's  home 3616 W. Hidden Forest Dr. in Ludington. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a time of fellowship and sharing. They meet at 7 pm. For more information, call Dick and Darlene at 231-845-6093.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, August 7 - No am service. We will be meeting at the Scottville Band shell in the evening. 


Sunday, August 28 - Baptism Service


Sunday, August 31 - Missions Sunday
Nathan and Jess Alley from Youth With A Mission Denver will be sharing with us.

Sunday, September 4 - No am service. Family Fest Event in the evening at the church.


Wednesday, September 7 - Special meeting with Missionary Michael Hersch. Watch for more information on this special evening.

November 11-12, 2011 - The Call Detroit. Twenty-four hours. Thousands will gather to fast and pray - daring to believe America could turn back to God. For more information visit TheCall.com/Detroit for more information or to register for this historic event.

Summer Memories

If you were to close your eyes and think back to when you were younger and got a picture of what summer memories are to you , what would you see?

I picture camping, campfires (with smores' of course), riding my bike, neighborhood VBS club, kick the can (who remembers playing that)? But I have to admit the one thing I remember the most is going to church camp. I was nine years old when I made the decision that I wanted Jesus in my life. What are the memories on your heart?

This summer at Prayer & Praise we are going out into our community of Ludington and Scottville to make memories. We are touching lives with the Love of Jesus Christ! We invite you to join us in the pursuit! Come and join us this Sunday evening at 5 pm at the Waterfront Park in Ludington. We will be having music, face painting, games AND free hot dogs & lemonade between 5 and 6 pm, our service will begin at 6pm. Bring a blanket, chair and invite your neighbors. This will replace our Sunday morning 10 am service, so don't come to the church, feel free to visit another area church. 



Lamplighter's Life Group meets on Wednesday evening at Dick & Darlene Bettison's  home 3616 W. Hidden Forest Dr. in Ludington. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a time of fellowship and sharing. They meet at 7 pm. For more information, call Dick and Darlene at 231-845-6093.

July 15th; 22nd; August 5th - Come and join us at Friday Night Live. We will have a booth set up with an activity for children and will be giving information about our church. The events begin @ 5pm - 8 pm.


Looking Ahead:


Sunday, July 17th - 5pm - 7 pm  Ladies Fellowship Soup at Karen Petersen's home 103 E. Pere Marquette St. in Ludington. We will be having soup, fellowship and a time of sharing. Bring a friend!

Monday, July 18th - Mountain Movers Spiritual Warfare class will be meeting at the church at 7pm. For more information contact Jim or Susie Snyder 231-723-2893.

Wednesday - Saturday, July 27th-30th - West Michigan Fair Outreach Booth. Contact Tim Alley for more information and to sign up to help at the booth. 231-690-7881.

Celebrating the Freedom God Gave!

I played this video twice today and both times my eyes filled with tears and my heart thanked God for giving me the privilege in live in a free country. A country where we have the freedom to worship the One and Only true God, a country where we can freely speak the name of Jesus in the streets. 
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 says, "As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
As we celebrate with our families and friends this weekend, let's remember that it's because of God's grace that we are able to stand on the streets and celebrate what He has done for us!


This week:

Senior Moments will not be meeting this Sunday.

Lamplighters will not be meeting Wednesday evening 7/6

Sunday, July 10 

No Morning Service

We will be meeting at the Waterfront Park at 6 pm. Bring blankets, chairs and your neighbors!

July 15, 22, 27-29 - Outreach Booth Opportunities. We will be at Friday Night Live and the West Michigan Fairgrounds. Come out and join!

Sunday, July 31 - Missionaries Nathan & Jess Alley from Youth With A Mission in Denver, CO will be sharing with us during the morning service.

Don't Miss the Moment!

When I was a little girl, I was so anxious for an event to happen and I stated to my grandma,  "I wish it would hurry up and get here!", she responded to me with "don't wish for time to come, the older you get the faster it goes"! Now that I am the age that she probably was when she told me that, I can totally understand what she was saying. Time goes too fast!


As we are going for "The Pursuit" this summer, you may think, "Wow, if I do all that my summer is gone!", but if we look at it through God's eyes, we can say "Look at the opportunities that I have to reach out to others in my community and how can I keep my eyes and heart focused so I won't miss the moment that God has placed me in? God wants to use our time, talents and treasures in every moment of every day of our life. Come with us and enjoy "Joining the Pursuit."

Thank you to all who helped with the Nuthouse for the Gus Macker Tournament from preparation to cleanup, we had an awesome time of serving our community and spending time with church family. It was a great start to our "Summer Pursuit."

This Sunday we continue with our "Join the Pursuit". Come and see what God has prepared for you! It's also Buddy Barrel/BGMC Sunday. Remember your barrels!

We Are Better Together! Thank You from Hospitality, INC.

 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.“Matthew 19:26       Praise God, Season #2 was a reality thanks to the help of the community and area churches opening their doors this past winter!  53 homeless friends of Mason County were blessed with a safe, warm shelter and an abundance of nourishment, thank you!  As we look forward to Season #3 we ask for your continued prayers as we seek God’s direction for the ministry.  Are we to continue rotating from church to church or is it time to try a permanent shelter?  Either way we will still depend on the outpouring of love through our churches and volunteers to provide the necessary manpower to make this shelter possible.

Thanking Him for planting us in a loving community!

Tam & Tim and the Hospitality Team

Looking Ahead!!!

Sunday, July 3rd - we will be celebrating Independence Day with a Patriotic Service. This is a great Sunday to bring along visiting family members and friends as we celebrate the freedom we have in our country and the freedom we have in Christ! Color theme: red, white & blue! 

Sunday, July 10th - NO MORNING SERVICE. We will be meeting at the Waterfront Park at 6 pm for our first outdoor service of the summer. 

July 15, 22, 27-29 - Outreach Booth Opportunities. We will be at Friday Night Live and the West Michigan Fairgrounds. Come out and join!

Sunday, July 31 - Missionaries Nathan & Jess Alley from Youth With A Mission in Denver, CO will be sharing with us during the morning service.

How Can We Serve You Today?

During one of my quiet times with God this week I was brought to the verse in Luke 22:25-27. Jesus is talking with his disciples at the last supper and they began disputing over who was considered the greatest among them. Here's how Jesus responded; "²⁵ Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 


As we "Join the Pursuit" beginning this Saturday and Sunday at the Gus Macker, ask yourself, "how can I serve my church, my family and my neighbors this week? Am I looking for leadership in what I do or am I seeking to serve? I want to make it a goal in my life that daily I remember to ask "How can I serve the Lord and how can I serve others?

During the construction this summer on Staffon St., watch for the signs  for the best roads to get to the church!

Men's Group meets every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 pm at the church. All men are invited for a time of fellowship and growing together in the Lord. 


This summer at Prayer and Praise we are "Joining the Pursuit" in our church and in our community. Throughout the summer months we will be coming together to go out into our community to show and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. There will be opportunities for all ages, so get your sneakers on and come with us and "Join the Pursuit."

  Join us on Sunday, June 26th for the Pursuit!

Remember to bring your cards for Jacob's Well. Jacob is the grandson of Ron and Myrna Weaver. He is 9 years old and is battling cancer of the spine and going through chemo. Our goal is to give him 40 cards and letters each month. Have your children draw him pictures or send small gifts, or God may give you something to do special for him that will bring a smile to his face and know that we are praying for him. This will be ongoing until Jacob is feeling better. Make it a goal each month or week.

Under Construction!

Yup, Staffon St. is in for a summer of reconstruction. It has made us get out of our comfort zone for the way we drive and get into the church. It has given us a different perspective on flowers and pots we put out this year because of the dust and dirt. We have to make that extra effort to let everyone know how to get here. It will make us go just a little bit out of our way to do the everyday things.


Isn't that the way it is sometimes in our lives. We are comfortable in the every day routines that we do. Eating the same thing for breakfast while reading some scripture, because you decided to take 10 more minutes on the snooze, drive to work using the same route every day, doing what we need to do, for the most part, the same way every day.

Watch for the Signs!

This is actually a really good time to see the things around us that we don't really notice. Taking a different route and looking at the homes and people that you never noticed before (and they are only two blocks away) in the neighborhood and you ask yourself these questions; Why haven't I noticed before? How do I reach out to them? Wonder if they need prayer for anything? This is a great time for us as a church to reach out to our neighbors and show them that this isn't really an inconvenience, this is an opportunity. How do we show the love of Jesus to the construction workers, who are really just doing their job? How do we help the neighbors who, like us are getting blasted this summer with dirt and sand? Just some things to pray and think about. What opportunity does God have for you in the Prayer and Praise neighborhood?  


Next Week (June 18 & 19) is Macker!!! Volunteers are needed to cut veggies on Friday at the church from 9 am to around 11 am. Bring your own knife and cutting board. If you can't help at the booth, this is a great way to still be a part of the team. Sign up sheets for working both the booth and cutting veggies is at the Welcome Center.

Men's Group meets every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 pm at the church. All men are invited for a time of fellowship and growing together in the Lord. This weeks topic of discussion will include our summer schedule. 

Women's Fellowship Soup will be meeting this Sunday (6/12) at Christy Sniegowski's home, 6361 Serenity Court, from 5 pm- 7 pm. All women are invited to join us in a time of soup, fellowship and sharing. Directions are at the Welcome Center.

Remember to bring your cards for Jacob's Well. Jacob is the grandson of Ron and Myrna Weaver. He is 9 years old and is battling cancer of the spine and going through chemo. Our goal is to give him 40 cards and letters each month. Have your children draw him pictures or send small gifts, or God may give you something to do special for him that will bring a smile to his face and know that we are praying for him. This will be ongoing until Jacob is feeling better. Make it a goal each month or week.

This summer at Prayer and Praise we are "Joining the Pursuit" in our church and in our community. Throughout the summer months we will be coming together to go out into our community to show and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. There will be opportunities for all ages, so get your sneakers on and come with us and "Join the Pursuit."

                                            Join us on Sunday, June 26th for the Pursuit!

How's Your Charge?

After a wonderful weekend away to Indianapolis, rested and anxious to start my week, I step into the Jeep, which seems to have a mind of it's own at times, and behold, it didn't want to start. Nothing but a little purr! So I quickly sent a text to Pastor Henrik to let him know I was waiting for my charge, not realizing I forgot to type what I was charging. He sends a reply back, "is that physical or spiritual'? My first thought was, "good point"!

With the summer months upon us and the anticipation of being outside enjoying the weather, family and friends, we need to remember to not only keep our physical bodies charged, but also our spiritual bodies. Take time to be still and let God fill you with His energy and His love and rest.

As we "Join in the Pursuit" this summer, let us step into our community as ones who are examples of how God is molding our lives to hear His voice and do as He directs. Not as a burden, but with excitement of what He has in store for that purpose and time.

 

Celebration of Our Graduates 

Sunday, June 5

10:00 am

Join us following the service for cake and beverages in the Upper Room.

Senior Moments will be meeting this Sunday at Lynn and Christine Thompson's for a potluck and fellowship following the cake time. Everyone 60 years and older are invited.
 
Gus Macker - June 18th and 19th. We will have the Nuthouse up and running. Much help is needed from cutting onions to serving lemonade. Contact Pastor Henrik at henrikpandp@gmail.com if you would like to "Join in the Pursuit."

This summer at Prayer and Praise we are "Joining the Pursuit" in our church and in our community. Throughout the summer months we will be coming together to go out into our community to show and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. There will be opportunities for all ages, so get your sneakers on and come with us and "Join the Pursuit." 

Men's Group meets every Tuesday evening beginning at 7 pm at the church. All men are invited for a time of fellowship and growing together in the Lord.

Women's Fellowship Soup will be meeting at Christy Sniegowski's home, 6361 Serenity Court. on Sunday, June 12th from 5 pm- 7 pm. All women are invited to join us in a time of soup, fellowship and sharing. Directions at the Welcome Center.

Remember to bring your cards for Jacob's Well. Jacob is the grandson of Ron and Myrna Weaver. He is 9 years old and is battling cancer of the spine and going through chemo. Our goal is to give him 40 cards and letters each month. Have your children draw him pictures or send small gifts, or God may give you something to do special for him that will bring a smile to his face and know that we are praying for him. This will be ongoing until Jacob is feeling better. Make it a goal each month or week.

What Marks the Beginning of Summer for You?

Memorial Day Weekend , for some, is the perfect time for friends and family to honor loved ones who have served their country. For others, the national holiday is the unofficial start of summer and the time to pull out the grill or plant the gardens. Whether you want to honor the memory of a veteran or you take this time to remember those in your life who are no longer with you, Memorial Day Weekend is a time for remembrance and thanksgiving for the people in our lives and history that has touched  in us so many different ways.

 

This summer at Prayer and Praise we are "Joining the Pursuit" in our church and in our community. Throughout the summer months we will be coming together to go out into our community to show and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. There will be opportunities for all ages, so get your sneakers on and come with us and "Join the Pursuit."

This Sunday:  We will be having a missionary speaker. Because of the sensitivity of the information, we will not be broadcasting the message on UStream and we will not be recording the message.

 Celebration of Our Graduates 

Sunday, June 5

10:00 am

Join us following the service for cake and beverages in the Upper Room.

Graduation Open House announcements are posted on the bulletin board across from the nursery. Check it out! You won't want to miss any!

Senior Moments will be meeting at Lynn and Christine Thompson's for a potluck and fellowship following the cake time. Everyone 60 years and older are invited.

Gus Macker - June 18th and 19th. We will have the Nuthouse up and running. Much help is needed from cutting onions to serving lemonade. Contact Pastor Henrik at henrikpandp@gmail.com if you would like to "Join in the Pursuit."

Don't Ya Just Love May?

Well, usually May brings us warm breezes with the anticipation of enjoying the outside of our homes instead of inside. I love May for other reasons too, not to mention every May I get to celebrate my birthday, which is today! Every year on my birthday the one thing I remember is the smell of lilacs. That smell always tells me that Spring has come. When we lived on Rowe St., our neighbor, Erma, had bushes of lilacs and she gave us permission to cut them which, in the long run, makes for a healthier more blossoming bush.


That's what it is with our relationship with Christ too. Even though we have beautiful healthy blossoms, He is still pruning us so that we can continue to grow to be healthier.

Sunday

We are moving Buddy Barrels to next Sunday, May 29th.  We will be having a missionary with us from Northern Asia region, so we will be doing our missions emphasis on that day. 

Cary Pugh will be sharing with us. He will be bringing our last teaching on the Names of God series. His teaching focus is on Jesus, the Name above all names. 

You can purchase the first four teachings in the series in the bookstore cabinet. The cost is $5. The second four will be available soon.

There are several opportunities to serve our community this Sunday.

West Shore Pregnancy Care Center's Annual Walk for Life event begins at 1 pm at the Waterfront Park with a Celebration picnic @ 2:15 pm. Bring the family for a family event that supports life in our community.

The Nursing Home Ministry begins at 2:00 pm at Tendercare, Ludington Woods at 3:00 and then onto Oakview at 3:45 pm. Pastor Henrik is looking for someone who would like to lead this time. If you are interested in sharing your testimony, a special scripture or devotional please contact him.

Another opportunity to serve in our community is through H.E.L.P.S (Hands Extended Loving People). They are in the process of organizing a Follow-up Ministry. In this ministry clients are given the opportunity to request a Bible, Jesus video, prayer and more information on how to have a relationship with God. If you are interested in helping, there are application forms at the Welcome Center. They need them returned by June 3rd. For more information on H.E.L.P.S. Ministry you can go to their website help@help-ministry.org

We are gearing up for another great summer of outreach and family times here at Prayer and Praise. Keep watching and reading for the events coming up during the months of June, July and August. There will be lots of opportunity to bring your family and friends together.

Are ya smellin' the coffee? Some of us are even enjoying the coffee! Every Sunday our new coffee station is featuring 100% pure Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. It is from the City of Refuge Children's Home and Coffee Farm that was established in Jamaica by AG Missionaries Steve and Kim Puffpaff in July 2002. This home helps nurture abandoned and needy children of Jamaica. This coffee is also available for purchase at $10/pkg. When you purchase this coffee you are enabling a Jamaican child to live and learn the ways of a loving and nurturing family environment. If you enjoy coffee every day, I know you are going to need to get replenished in your cupboard, so why not pick some up on Sunday

June is right around the corner and that means Gus Macker Basketball! Each year we set-up our "Nuthouse" fundraising booth. This is a great opportunity to reach out into our community and it enables us to raise funds to help with supporting missionaries, special outreach events, youth and children's ministries. It takes us all working together from planning, cutting vegetables to working the event to make it a success. If you're interested in helping for this event email Debbie at the church office. (pandpoffice@gmail.com)

Sending Blessing, Debbie

Windows of Communication - May 15 through May 21

This is the time of year when you open your blinds or curtains in the morning to let in the wonderful site of sun and blue skies in.  All you see is this haze of dirt that has accumulated over the winter months making it difficult to see clearly the beautiful sun and sky that the Lord has given you to begin your day.

I, for one, do not like to wash windows, but I love the results that I get when I do. I can see out clearly and others can see in without having to wipe a spot clean first. Not that any of us would do that!

This made me think about the times when I am walking through a spiritual season of winter. During this time, some dust and dirt can collect and it makes it difficult to see through the season. But God loves to clean windows! As we spend time each day with Him in worship and praise, He begins to clean away the accumulation of winter and brings a new season of Spring which allows the Son to shine in.

This Sunday 

Pastor Henrik will be teaching us on the final banner of the Names of God series,  "Jehovah Shammah", The Lord is Present. The end of Ezekiel 48:35 says, "The Lord is there." Let's be "Present" at Prayer and Praise this Sunday and together we will experience the presence of the Lord.

Women's Ministry - Friendship Soup will be meeting at 5:00 pm at Debbie Alley's home. 2758 N. Island Dr. in Tamarac Village. We will have balloons marking the way in the park. Debbie's home number is 480-0049 if you need directions. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you. We will be enjoying soup, fellowship and some awesome testimonies.

Wednesday, May 18th - Youth Group will not be meeting.

Next Sunday

May 22nd is a filled with lots of opportunity to serve our community. West Shore Pregnancy Care Center's Annual Walk for Life event begins at 1 pm at the Waterfront Park with a Celebration picnic @ 2:15 pm. Bring the family for a family event that supports life in our community.

Our church is doing the Nursing Home Ministry that begins at 2:00 pm at Tendercare, Ludington Woods at 3:00 and then onto Oakview at 3:45 pm. Pastor Henrik is looking for someone who would like to lead this time. If you are interested in sharing your testimony, a special scripture or devotional please contact him.

Another opportunity to serve in our community is through H.E.L.P.S (Hands Extended Loving People). They are in the process of organizing a Follow-up Ministry. In this ministry clients are given the opportunity to request a Bible, Jesus video, prayer and more information on how to have a relationship with God. If you are interested in helping, there are application forms at the Welcome Center. They need them returned by June 3rd. For more information on H.E.L.P.S. Ministry you can go to their website help@help-ministry.org

June is right around the corner and that means Gus Macker Basketball! Each year we set-up our "Nuthouse" fundraising booth. This is a great opportunity to reach out into our community and it enables us to raise funds to help with supporting missionaries, special outreach events, youth and children's ministries. It takes us all working together from planning, cutting vegetables to working the event to make it a success. If you're interested in helping for this event email Debbie at the church office. (pandpoffice@gmail.com)

"May" be Busy!

The month of May can start you head spinning with the Graduation's, Open Houses, School programs, sports, yard work, Spring cleaning. Then there's Mother's Day, birthdays, Anniversaries, Memorial Day, is your head spinning yet?

It doesn't matter what age we are, May becomes a busy month. This week in my quiet time the Lord gave me this verse:
                    Psalms 36:7-9
                                  How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

                                  People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

                                             They feast on the abundance of your house;

                                  you give them drink from your river of delights.

                                             For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

So as you are beginning this busy month of May, take a few moments each day and let His fountain of life bring light into your busy world!

This Sunday is Mother's Day. What a great time to invite mom to church. It will be a special day just for her! It's a great way to say thank-you for all she does.Why not pick up mom a package of our Jamaican Coffee? It's only $10 and also helps to support the Children's Orphanage in Jamaica.

Sunday - May 22nd we will be ministering at the Nursing Homes. We will begin at 2:00 pm at Tendercare, then Ludington Woods at 3:00 and then onto Oakview at 3:45 pm. If you interested in sharing your testimony, a special scripture or devotional at the Nursing Homes, please email the office @ pandpoffice@gmail.com

Looking Ahead: Mark your calendars for these events that will be happening during the month of May in our community.

Thursday - May 12 from 4:30 - 6pm Covenant Christian School will be having an Open House/Re-enrollment night. This is a great time to come out and meet the teachers, get acquainted with the school. They are planning on starting the upcoming school year at the new building. The Open House will be held at the current location 243 N. Stiles Rd.

Sunday, May 22 - West Shore Pregnancy Care Center's annual Walk for Life. Registration will begin @ 1 pm and the walk @ 1:30. Following the walk @ 2:15 will be a Celebration Picnic. Pledge sheets are available at the Welcome Center.

June is right around the corner and that means Gus Macker Basketball! Each year we set-up our "Nuthouse" fundraising booth. This is a great opportunity to reach out into our community and it enables us to raise funds to help with supporting missionaries, special outreach events and youth and children's ministries. It takes us all working together from planning, cutting vegetables to working the event to make it a success. If you're interested in helping for this event email Debbie at the church office. (pandpoffice@gmail.com)

May Brings Spring Flowers! May 1 - May 7

We all remember the saying we learned when we were younger, "April showers bring Spring May flowers." Well, I for one am so ready for those flowers. I am ready for warm sunny days and the smell of Spring.

We are gearing up for another great summer of outreach and family times here at Prayer and Praise. Keep watching and reading for the events coming up during the months of June, July and August. There will be lots of opportunity to bring your family and friends together.

Wasn't the coffee great last week? Well, strong but great! I think we have the formula down so you can enjoy another wonderful cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. We still have plenty of packages left for you to purchase. This coffee helps to support the City of Refuge Children's Home. It's $10/package. 

Did you see all those beautiful pink dresses last Sunday. As Sherry Motcheck stated on facebook, "look at the fluff." The kids did an awesome job last Sunday worshipping with flags and dancing before the Lord. They learned what Resurrection Sunday was about and served us communion. What a blessing each and everyone of these precious children are!

This Sunday, Tim Alley will be teaching us about the Name of God "tsidkenu" - The Lord is My Righteousness. First, I hope he teaches us how to pronounce it!

Senior Moments this Sunday has been cancelled. Daniel Cerminaro is preparing a 75th Birthday celebration for his grandma Suzy, following the church service. Come enjoy some cake and ice cream and give Suzy a big birthday hug!

Thursday, May 5th @ 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. A new LifeGroup called "Overflow" will begin. In this group we are going to begin to step out of the ordinary and move into our community to reach those who can't see beyond the impossible. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Tim or Debbie Alley.

Looking Ahead: Mark your calendars for these events that will be happening during the month of May in our community.

Thursday - May 12 from 4:30 - 6pm Covenant Christian School will be having an Open House/Re-enrollment night. This is a great time to come out and meet the teachers, get acquainted with the school. They are planning on starting the upcoming school year at the new building. The Open House will be held at the current location 243 N. Stiles Rd.

Sunday, May 22 - West Shore Pregnancy Care Center's annual Walk for Life. Registration will begin @ 1 pm and the walk @ 1:30. Following the walk @ 2:15 will be a Celebration Picnic. Pledge sheets are available at the Welcome Center.

It's Spring At Prayer & Praise - April 24th - April 30th

Well, it may not feel much like Spring outside, but inside the church it is beginning to blossom. We have lilies, tulips and even sunshine!

This Sunday we'll be celebrating the Resurrection of  Jesus. As we were talking with our grandson, almost 4 year old Shane last night on skype, he was telling us about the story of Easter. Nathan and Jess told us that he wants them to read it to him every night twice, because he just didn't understand why Jesus had to die. Last night when we asked him why Jesus had to die, he answered "because He wants to save us all"! I think he's getting it. Take some time this week and read the story of Jesus' life, death and Resurrection so when we come in on Resurrection Sunday, we can say, "I get it!"

Saturday, April 23rd - There will be NO Harp and Bowl this week.

Sunday as you enter the church building, you will not only smell the beautiful flowers of Spring, but you will also be smelling the wonderful aroma of Jamaican coffee. Our new coffee station will be featuring 100% pure Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. It is from the City of Refuge Children's Home and Coffee Farm that was established in Jamaica by AG Missionaries Steve and Kim Puffpaff in July 2002. This home helps nurture abandoned and needy children of Jamaica. This coffee is also available for purchase at $10/pkg. When you purchase this coffee you are enabling a Jamaican child to live and learn the ways of a loving and nurturing family environment.

Pastor Henrik will be presenting the life, the death and the Resurrection of Jesus in three parts, The children will be involved throughout the service. This is also Buddy Barrel/BGMC Sunday. So bring your barrels, dollars and change to help missionaries receive supplies for their children's ministries.

Speaking of Sunday services, hasn't it been great learning about the Names of God? You can now purchase the first set of 4 CD's. They are available in the book/CD cabinet located in the lobby. Sunday, May 1 - Tim Alley will be teaching us about the Name of God "Tsidkenu" The Lord is My Righteousness. Personally speaking, I'm not missing this one!

Monday, April 25th Mountain Movers will be meeting @7pm in the church office area. Everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity to come and learn how to move those "mountains" in your life through spiritual warfare. Need more information contact Jim or Suze Snyder 231-723-2893.

Men's Group meets every Tuesday @ 7pm. We meet in the Upper Room at the church. All men invited.

Next Women's Ministry is Sunday, May 15th. We will be meeting @ Debbie Alley's. Watch for more information.

Senior Moments will be held on Sunday, May 1st, following the service. Everyone 60 and older are invited for potluck lunch and fellowship. Contact Lynn or Christian Thompson @ 843-4695 for more details.

Thursday, May 5th @ 7:00 - 8:30 pm - Overflow LifeGroup will begin. "God has called you to SEE the invisible and DO the impossible. God has not called you to do the things you can do, He's called you to do the things you'll never be able in a million years. But He's called you to live in His faithfulness, that He will come through you and do all things that need to be done. "Graham Cooke"

In this group we are going to begin to step out of the ordinary and move into our community to reach those can't see beyond the impossible. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Tim or Debbie Alley 231-480-0049. 

Looking Ahead: Mark your calendars for these events that will be happening during the month of May in our community.

Thursday - May 12 from 4:30 - 6pm Covenant Christian School will be having an Open House/Re-enrollment night. This is a great time to come out and meet the teachers, get acquainted with the school. They are planning on starting the upcoming school year at the new building. The Open House will be held at the current location 243 N. Stiles Rd.

Sunday, May 22 - West Shore Pregnancy Care Center's annual Walk for Life. Registration will begin @ 1 pm and the walk @ 1:30. Following the walk @ 2:15 will be a Celebration Picnic. Pledge sheets are available at the Welcome Center.

Keeping Connected! April 17th - 24th

Good morning from IHOP in Charleston, SC. Yup, that's right, Tim and I are enjoying a wonderful breakfast at the International House of Pancakes. A late one at that! We have had a wonderful warm and relaxing week. How many of you knew that this week if the 150th Anniversary of the first shot fired of the Civil War?

We are looking forward to coming back and continue with the great things God has in store for us all at Prayer and Praise this Spring and Summer. Make sure you are getting connected, you won't want to miss out!

This Sunday is Women's Ministries at Jaynie Manier's home at 5 - 7 pm. All ladies are invited. Come enjoy some soup, fellowship and time of building relationships.

The Come and See group is taking the week off and will resuume on the 27th. Come and join us as we explore the questionas and answers that will draw you closer to God.

The Good Friday service is at the Methodist Church this year. Between 1-3 pm diffrent pastors and churches in the area will be coming together, this year Pastor Henrik and Tim Martin will be speaking. 
also, Abbie Cook and her friends will be singing.

Next week is Resurrection Sunday, come and celebrate as we raise the greatest of all banners: The Empty Cross. 

National day of prayer May 5th, Breakfast at Prayer and Praise, noon event at the court house. More information to follow so keep connecting.

Some of you have had a difficult time connecting through the email. You should just be able to click on the blue link in your message. If not, you can always connect through the website pandp.org, click on the picture at the top that says "weekly announcements." It should get you there.  Feel free to contact me next week if you need further help.

Have a blessed week! Debbie

What An Amazing God We Serve. April 10-16

I woke up early this morning just thinking about what an amazing God we serve! I am so thankful for my husband and children and how God has kept His promises of watching, guiding and protecting them. But I am also thankful for growth of ministries that are happening in the church. God Is Amazing!

Last Sunday, Sherry Motcheck's sermon on Jehovah Shalom brought us all to a place to knowing where our peace is. Are we depending on God for our peace, or on ourselves? If we depend on ourselves, then that brings us to separation with God. This coming Sunday, Pastor Henrik will be presenting another name of God, "Jehovah Nissi", God is our Banner. I have really enjoyed learning these names and am looking forward to listening to it live from the website as we are traveling to SC for vacation. If you have missed any of the weeks, you can also listen to it from our website.

On the second and fourth Monday (April 11 & April 25), Jim and Suze Snyder have been leading a Life Group (as we are now calling them) entitled "Mountain Movers." They meet at 7:00 pm in the church office area. Do you have "mountains" in your life that you are struggling to climb, pass through or even move out of the way? This class will help you to fight those spiritual battles that keep you from moving forward.

In the last 26 years since we have been attending Prayer and Praise, I have never seen a movement of God touching the lives of men like we are seeing now. Ladies, when your husband comes home excited for the things of God because a group of men are gathering once a week to pray for each other, fast with each other and are encouraging each other to become better husbands, fathers and leaders, that what brings a new environment of growth in our families and our church. Keep your eyes open, I believe we are going to see our men of God become bold and strong warriors. The Men's Ministry meets every Tuesday night at the church at 7:00 pm. All men are invited.

On Wednesday evenings @ 7pm,  let's "Come and See!" Lynn & Christine Thompson will leading this Life Group. For eight weeks you will be presented with one question and discover the answer to that question. The group is open to everyone and you can join in at anytime. This is a great stepping stone to getting connected with our church. Not connected yet? Get connected by joining a of the Life Groups. You can pick up a Life Groups brochure at the Welcome Center.

Are you a women looking for a way to "get connected" with other ladies of the church? In our busy lives as wives, mothers, volunteers, taxi drivers and executive administrators of our homes, we have a hard time finding time to connect. We are now meeting once a month on different Sunday evenings for a time of fellowship and growing together in the Lord. Women's Ministry will meet from 5pm - 7pm on April 17th @ Jaynie Manier's home (1824 S. Pere Marquette Hwy.) for soup and relationship building. Invite a friend to come along. If you'd like to bring a soup, bread or dessert, call Dawn 843-3470.

This week is about discovering our amazing God! Every Saturday evening at 7:00pm - 8:30pm you can come and encounter God through prayer and worship at Harp & Bowl. Each week we have a different prayer focus.

Looking for some prayer focus this week? Remember Emma Bob from Romania? She is now on the road to India with a DTS team from the Cluj YWAM base. Let's pray for protection, God's grace in their travels and for the leading of the Holy Spirit as they minister over the next few weeks. I will keep you updated as I receive emails. Let's continue to lift up Myrna Weaver for the manifestation of healing and for their grandson Jacob as he is currently going through physical therapy at Mary Free Bed to become stronger before they begin chemo. Jacob is nine years old, so it would great to involve your children in praying for him.

I am praying you all to have an awesome and amazing week with God. Feel free to post a comment on what God has done "amazing" in your life this week. 

Jehovah Sholom, Debbie

Let's Get Connected for the Week of April 3, 2011

Welcome to our new, and hopefully improved, communication between the church and you. This will be our new style of "bulletin". Each week I will update a new blog on Thursday with new events and schedules that you need to keep updated on. There is an opportunity at the end of the blog to write comments on events. Please make sure if you add an event not mentioned that it has been presented to the church office first.