New Sunday Series
Is God?  Starts September 7th
Sundays 9:30    Main Auditorium
               11:00  Main Auditorium & the Venue
 
In this three-part series we will explore God through the lens of some of today’s toughest issues. Whether you are just exploring God or have known God for many years, this series may just affect how you look at God and your life. Consider inviting a friend.

   Part One:     Is God…judgmental?
   Part Two:     Is God…a pacifist?
   Part Three:  Is God…green?
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Finding God In DC
A Brand New DVD Small Group Study
 
Last year, Community Church pastors explored the high points of Upper Michigan while reflecting on the seven major components of spiritual growth and packaged it as a small group curriculum. This fall we kick off a brand new home grown curriculum where Community Church pastors are teaching on location in one of the most famous cities in the world.
 
This summer the location of the series has been a tightly held secret. But, last month we broke the news. Scott, Caz, and Brian visited one of the most famous cities in the world. A city that draws over a million people a day from every corner of the globe. It is a city known for its amazing monuments and historic buildings. It is the center of our nation's power and sovereignty. You may have guessed it—Washington D.C.

Read More Here >
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Community Church Launches Christian Counseling Services
 
This summer Community Church launched a brand new professional counseling center that will serve this community through offering Christian counseling for those experiencing relational, emotional, or mental pain. Staffed by licensed counselors from Community Church, this new area of ministry will utilize traditional counseling methods from a Christian perspective.
 
If you would like to know more about Christian Counseling Services or would like to make an appointment, call 773-3641 ext 505 or email the counseling center at ccs@mpcc.org.

No Longer Alone
 
Why is it that, although mental/emotional ill health is more prevalent than diabetes and more widespread than cancer, heart, and lung disease combined, it is hardly mentioned in the church? And why, when prayer requests are solicited, are health problems so predominant - but seldom do we hear people opening up about concerns over mental/emotional illness?

Read More Here >
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Pastor Brian Will Run For Food
 
This fall Pastor Brian is planning to run the Chicago Marathon to raise awareness and support for those in Isabella country that face the daily challenges of poverty. Partnering with Community Compassion Network, Brian is looking for people willing to join him on TEAM CCN as he runs 26 miles to help meet the basic needs of our community. Are you planning on running the Chicago Marathon and interested in running as a member of TEAM CCN? Help raise funds through gaining sponsors and get a great running shirt that says, "will run for food." Are you interested in being a sponsor? Contact Pastor Brian at pastorbrian@mpcc.org or 773-3641 ext. 206.
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SLiMwired.com
SLiMwired has a new face. In an effort to make all of our information that you need more accessible, more reliable, and more up-to-date, we’ve switched how we run SLiMwired.com. The same name, with a whole new soul. Check it out.

  >  CRAVE
           ~ Parents of High School Students
           ~ Crave Calendar
                      Read More Here >
 
  >  ELEMENT
           ~ Parents of Junior High Students
           ~ 2008-2009 Detailed Schedule
           ~ Element Calendar
                      Read More Here > 
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KidZone Ministries September 2008
 
Children's Ministry at Community Church - "One small step for a child…One giant step for His Kingdom!" PREPARE TO LAUNCH ON AN EXCITING KIDZONE VOYAGE EVERY SUNDAY! LIFT OFF TIMES - 9:30am and 11:00am. We have room in our shuttle for children ages Toddler through Fourth Grade to explore and discover God's Truths and Love!! For More Information Contact Mission Control Center at 989-773-3641 or Kathy Long, Flight Commander at kathy@mpcc.org  / 989-773-3641

 
ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO!!
We are recruiting volunteers to join our launch into Space this Fall in KidZone. We are scanning the earth and solar system for volunteers to serve at 9:30 or 11:00 am on Sundays with a Voyager Team. If you are Jr. High age or older, then we have a "space" for you to have an "out of this world" experience in ministry with kids!! Contact Kathy Long at Kathy@mpcc.org, Sarah Burkhart at sarah@mpcc.org, Nancy Reighard at nancyr@mpcc.org for more information.
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Family Fun Night
Wednesday, September 17th
 
Children's Ministry is for the whole family! Huge inflatables, Fun Games, Snacks, and a chance to meet your kids' ministry teams in KidZone!
 
Family Funniest Home Video Night
Wednesday, October 15th
 
Grand Prize for the winning family of Funniest Home Video.
 
Categories: Baby Bloopers, Pet Tricks, Super Sports, Family Fun Times or Mad Miscellaneous Moments.
 
To qualify, please submit your 2 minute or less video by October 5th and follow these rules:
1) Video must involve your family.
2) Include a creative introduction and title.
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CREATE...a children's ministry that changes hearts - starting with yours!
 
cre ate (kre at’)
1. to make
2. to bring into existence
November 8, 2008    A day to create!
Make space in your schedule to attend “Create” - a one day opportunity for children’s ministry volunteers & staff.
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 A Mom's Heart
-  A ministry for the hands on - hands holding time of life
 
Take some time for yourself! In the journey of motherhood it’s often challenging to find a few quiet moments for reflection. “A Mom’s Heart” is a time for sharing with other moms. You are invited to attend Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:15 at MPCC in the Chapel. We alternate between large group presentations and a book study in small groups. This year we’ll be reading Nancy Ortberg’s “Looking For God.” You can attend just the large groups or small groups or participate in both. Your choice! We’re looking forward to seeing you this fall!

Read More Here >
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Don't Miss SpringHill Women's Fall Retreat
Coming This Fall
 
 
Community Church Women are invited to attend SpringHill Women's Fall Retreat, the weekend of October 10-12th. The theme is "Embrace Grace - You are loved. All is forgiven" with featured guest speaker, Liz Curtis Higgs, author of two dozen books, an award winning speaker and columnist for Today's Christian Woman magazine. Cost is $126.00 which includes housing and all meals. Cost is $85.00 without housing. A great price for a great weekend to spend time with God, other women and time for yourself! We'd love to see many women from our church attend this event!! For more information go online to www.springhillcamps.com/retreats/women.  Registration forms are available at the Info Booth.
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IGNITE: Men's 2008 Fall Retreat
relax, renew, and reignite your faith
October 17-19, 2008  
 
Take in the fresh air along the shores of Lake Michigan. Enjoy golf, trap shooting, zip lines and other recreation with Community Church men. Explore faith and experience the adventure of life with Christ.
 
This year the Fall Men's Retreat is in a new location. We will be headed to Grace Adventures camp located near the shoreline of Lake Michigan and the Silver Lake Dunes. On Saturday, guys will have many recreation options from taking their four wheelers on the dunes and running the zipline to golfing at a nearby course or just hiking out to Little Point Sable Lighthouse. There is something for everyone. Saturday night we will continue the tradition of closing out the day with a massive bonfire. You will have to see it to believe it.
 
Throughout the weekend, Pastor Brian will lead in some teaching sessions, times of reflection and worship. The Men's Retreat will also feature national speaker, author, and comedian Jay Laffoon, who will share a great message on Saturday morning.
 
The cost of the retreat is $90, which includes housing, meals, and a number of recreation options at the camp. Pick up a registration form at the information desk on Sundays.  
 
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Celebrate!  God's Love at Community Church
Compiled by Marion Phelps
 
 
In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thess. 5:18)

We welcome Madason James Fisher, son of Breanne Moeggenberg & Brent Fisher, born July 3, 2008 and Aiden Glenn Bellanca, son of James & Sarah, grandson of Glenn, Sr. & Jeanette, and David & Deb Walker, born August 13th. Pray that they would grow spiritually as well as physically and one day accept the saving sacrifice made on their behalf by our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
To contribute to this column, marionphelps@charter.net or 772-0286.
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OTHER CHURCH HAPPENINGS

Choir Notes
 
Start warming up for fall! If God gave you a gift for music, set your heart to make a commitment to sing in the choir this year. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm, in the new upstairs choir room. The choir will be singing at both services, every other Sunday, beginning September 14. Because of a class conflict, our present accompanist will be unable to continue. SO -- again, we have an urgent need for an experienced volunteer accompanist. For information concerning singing or accompanying, call John Tousley at 772-2679, or 989-289-3364.

Small Group Leaders Gathering
Sunday, September 14th, 6:30pm
 
Mark your calendar! The fall leadership gathering is on Sunday, September 14th at 6:30pm. Like last year, we will be pulling out all the stops for our small group leaders. First, you will enjoy a catered meal from Italian Oven and some time to talk about small groups with other leaders. Then Pastor Brian will share a talk on spiritual leadership and you will receive practical leader tips from the Small Group Leadership Team. The evening will close with an introduction of the fall curriculum and a chance to pick up your group's copy of the DVD. There will also be great door prizes, giveaways, child-care, and lots of laughs. Please plan to attend and invite someone from your small group to join you.

60 Plus:
 
September’s 60 Plus Luncheon is a potluck at the home of Nan Riley, 1149 Woodruff Road, Blanchard on September 18. Bring a dish to pass: salad, dessert or veggie. For a ride, be at the church at 10:30 am, ready to leave by 10:45am. Nan Riley will deliver the program.

Community Church Needs You!
 
A Fun Opportunity for Kids to Serve at Community Church! - Are you in third through sixth grade and looking for an opportunity to serve at Community Church while having fun? Have you considered joining the Pealer Bell Choir? You don't need any previous musical experience, only the ability to count to 4 and have fun with friends and learning to play the bells. Practices begin in September on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00pm. If you are interested, please call Deb Fahr at  773-2158 or email at d_fahr@yahoo.com.