New Sermon Series Focuses on the Parables of Jesus
Christianity Illustrated (the Parables)
Sundays 9:30    Main Auditorium
               11:00  Main Auditorium & the Venue
 
The primary teaching method of Jesus was story telling. In fact, about a third of his words recorded in the scriptures are parables. Most of Jesus’ parables are stories of everyday life but include an unexpected twist that catches us off guard and allows truth to penetrate our defenses. The parables of Jesus paint pictures that communicate vital truths about God, his kingdom, and the broad scope of life. Whether you are encountering these parables for the first time or for the first time again, you will find them leading you into the mind and spirit of Jesus and offering lessons for living in the kingdom of God.
 
Sept 28 Obstacles to Growth (The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:3-23)
Oct 5      Who is My Neighbor? (The Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37)
Oct 12   Reality Check (The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, Luke 16:1-9)
Oct 19   Dealing with Resentment (The Parable of the Vineyard, Matt 20:1-16)
Oct 26   The “If Only” Factor (The Parable of the Foolish Bridesmaids, Matthew 25:1-13)
Nov 2      Kingdom Investing (The Parable of the Talents, Matt 25:14-30)
Nov 9                        Persistent Prayer (The Parable of the Friend at Midnight, Luke 11:1-13)
Nov 16   Filling Chairs (The Parable of the Great Banquet, Luke 14:15-24)
Nov 23   The God who Runs (The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:1-32)
Nov 30   The Son who Stayed (The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 2)
Dec 7                      The Parable of the Mustard Seed/Yeast, Matthew 13
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Geoff Moore Visits Again
 
Christian Recording Artist Geoff Moore will be with us in all worship services on Sunday, October 12. Geoff visited our church two years ago and really connected with our congregation. This Flint-area native now makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Geoff is a Grammy-nominated multi-Dove-Award-winning recording artist. This is a great opportunity to invite some friends to join you.


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Staff News
 
Worship Technology Director Noah Carroll has resigned for personal reasons. He plans to spend more time developing his fish store, "Head Fish Tropical," on Mission (yes, that was a shameless plug). Noah has given exceptional leadership to our technical arts teams and will be greatly missed. Jim Burkhart will assume leadership of worship technology on an interim basis as a volunteer. In addition, we have begun a search for a part-time (15-hours a week) tech worker. This position requires some previous experience in sound and/or lighting design and could be ideal for a college student. Please send inquiries and referrals to Rob Muldoon at Rob@mpcc.org.
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Volunteer Worship Positions Available
 
Sunday Tech Teams - We have immediate openings for camera operators, video booth controllers, and sound board technicians. Training is provided and most positions do not require previous experience. Contact Jim@mpcc.org.
 
Keyboard players and drummers - Our Sunday morning bands are in need of an experienced keyboard/piano player and drummer. Prior experience in a band or orchestra is required. Musicians generally practice weekly with their team and play in Sunday worship once each month. Contact Scott@mpcc.org.  ________________________________________________________________________________

 
CREATE...a children's ministry that changes hearts - starting with yours!
November 8, 8:30am - 4:00pm
 
In The Beginning God Created! The canvas is blank… Use this day to fill yours with ideas, tools, resources…and then experience GOD - the Master Artist - as He Creates through you!  Make space in your schedule to attend “Create” - a one day opportunity for children’s ministry volunteers and staff.
 
Featured Speakers
David Staal – Author of children’s ministry books including, “Making Your Children’s Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid’s Week” and “Words Kids Need to Hear.” David has served as the Director of Promiseland at Willow Creek Church and is now President of Kids Hope USA.
Lisa Hatch – Involved with children’s ministry for 8 years and is the OutLoud Worship Director for Promiseland at Willow Creek Community Church.
Mindy Stoms – Has served on the Promiseland Staff at Willow Creek Community Church for 13 years, serving as Director of Programming and Curriculum, a Division Leader in the Preschool area and is currently the Director of Creative Ministry Support.
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Dancing With Your Star
Friday, October 24th at 6:30pm
 
Join other Community Church couples for a night of dinner and dancing. We will bring in a dance floor, two dance instructors, and the perfect environment for a little romance. Learn a couple easy dance steps, enjoy a great dinner, and make some time for the one you love. Space is limited. Get your tickets this month on Sunday mornings or call the church office at 773-3641.
Cost: $25 per couple.
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Officer Nominations
 
Each year at this time, our church undergoes the important task of choosing officers for the new year. The nominations committee invites your recommendations for elders, deacons, trustees, and nominations committee.
 
Our selection of officers is confirmed in four ways:
1. The Nominations Committee selects candidates after much prayer and discussion. The Committee welcomes written suggestions from the congregation during their deliberations.
2. The candidates evaluate themselves and their sense of call. But the candidate's sense of call alone is not enough.
3. The current ruling session must examine candidates for the office of Elder and Deacon.
4. The congregation must confirm the selection by voting for the candidates at a meeting of the congregation scheduled for Sunday, December 21.
 
As you can see, this business of officer selection is serious stuff.
 
Church Officers
There are three "offices" in a church with a Presbyterian form of government: Teaching Elders (pastors), Ruling Elders, and Deacons. Teaching and Ruling Elders are known as Presbyters and share in the governing of the church. They form the Board of Elders, also known as the Session. In addition to these offices, Community Church also has a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees oversees the facilities and finances of the church.
 
Our Nominations Committee is currently seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: Elder, Deacon, Trustee, and Nominations Committee. Church membership is required for all of these positions. MPCC members and attendees are encouraged to submit names of qualified candidates for consideration by November 1.

Learn More
Learn more about these position and/or how to submit a nomination by clicking the links below.
1. Elder (Three-Year Term)  Read More Here >
2. Deacon (Three-Year term)  Read More Here >
3. Trustee (Three-Year Term)  Read More Here >
4. Nominations Committee (Two-Year Term)  Read More Here >
 
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Christmas Collage 2008
 
Though the leaves have only just begun to turn, there's Christmas in the air!! Rehearsals for the annual Christmas Collage begin Wednesday, October 8, from 7:00 p.m. (SHARP!) until 7:45. (Rehearsal times are brief, so starting on time is crucial.) "Go Tell It!" will be presented at both services, Sunday, December 14. Singers high school age through senior citizens are welcome.
(Regular choir rehearsals will continue from 7:45 until 8:30.)________________________________________________________________________________

 
Children and Finances
 
Periodically I come across some information, resources, or just some great advice to pass along. The following is a perfect example. It is an excerpt entitled "Children and Finances, Part 1" used with permission from the Crown Financial Ministries website. To read the complete article, or browse other articles visit the Crown Financial Ministries website at www.crown.org  and follow the Articles link.

Read More Here >
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Pastor Brian Will Run For Food
 
Partnering with Community Compassion Network, 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. Pastor Brian and Team CCN are down to their last two weeks of training before they head to the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12th. If you would still like to sponsor the team as they raise funds for poverty in Isabella County, its not too late. Contact Pastor Brian at 773-3641 ext. 206 or pastorbrian@mpcc.org.  ________________________________________________________________________________
 
Finding God In DC
A brand new DVD small group study
Available This Sunday
 
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 >  ________________________________________________________________________________

GroupStart: A Great Way to Make a Fresh Start
This Fall we will kickoff a brand new way to experience a small group at Community Church called GroupStart. Looking to try out groups for the first time or looking for a new group experience? Join other Community Church attenders in the Chapel for a short-term small group based on the new DVD curriculum featuring the Community Church pastors on location somewhere on planet earth. Follow the journey of the Community Church Pastors on the big screen in the chapel and meet new people along the way. Groupstart will be facilitated by Pastor Brian and other small group team leaders. It will meet every Thursday night starting on October 9th and will run for eight weeks.
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    >  Parent Connection
                         Read More Here >
 
    >  ELEMENT
              ~ Lock-out 2008
               ~ Friday Nights
              ~ Core Retreats
                         Read More Here >
 
    >  uLife
              ~ Kickoff Concert
              ~ College Small Groups
                         Read More Here > 
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KidZone Ministries October 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. For children ages Toddler through Fourth Grade to explore and discover God's Truths and Love!! There's still room in the shuttle for YOU to join us for the space adventures in KidZone on Sunday mornings! 391 joined us for Blast Off the first Sunday! For More Information Contact Mission Control Center at 989-773-3641 or Kathy Long, Flight Commander at Kathy@mpcc.org.


 
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.

KidZone Facelift
Many Hands Make Light Work! Please sign up to help us with our KidZone Painting Project. We need as many volunteers as possible to help make the facelift project a success. We will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays, mornings and evenings during October. Please sign up for one day or evening to pitch in. Many hands make light work! Contact Nancy Reighard, 773-3641 or nancyr@mpcc.org.

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Family Funniest Home Video Night
Wednesday, October 15th
 
Children's Ministry is for the entire family!!! Join us for Wednesday Night Funniest Family Videos on October 15th. Our host, Andrea Abke will reveal the judges top three choices for Grand Prize. You can vote for your choice for Number One!!! There's still time to submit your own Family Funniest Video. Pick up an entry form and turn in your funny video by October 5th!
 
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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Wednesday Night With Kids and the Arts
Participate in this years Christmas Musical
 
Kids in Grades 1-6 are invited to experience the arts - drama, music, dance, puppetry, props,etc for October and November. As kids enjoy exploring their God given talents they will also prepare this year's Children's Christmas Musical presented on Sunday, December 7th at 5pm. Parents are encouraged to find a way to support this key ministry for kids. Check out the possibilities with Brenda Collins at 773-5515! 
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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 a mom's heart in all aspects of life

Check out who is coming to Mom's Heart in October...
On October 8 Dr. Jean Prout will speak on "Sexuality and the Sandbox". Come and hear words of wisdom on talking with your children about sex from a Christian perspective. Then on October 22 Dr. Jeff Angera will be speaking to moms about "Preparing Tomorrows Fathers". CMU faculty and marriage and family therapist will share insights on how we must take an intergenerational approach to preparing tomorrow's fathers, examining our assumptions and expectations for fatherhood.
 
Mom's Heart meets Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:15 in the MPCC Chapel.

For more information and a full schedule click here >  ________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
Central Michigan Pregnancy Services' Fundraising Banquet
Celebrate Life!

 
Central Michigan Pregnancy Service's Fall Fundraising Banquet will be held at the Comfort Inn. Join us as we "Celebrate Life!" Thursday, October 30, 2008. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. so that you may preview Gift Baskets and other silent auction items. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include a lovely dinner.

Read More Here >
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Don't Miss SpringHill Women's Fall Retreat
October 10-12th
 
 
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
 
 
He will have granted 58 years of marriage to Arthur and Margie Fountain on October 7th.

Rejoice in the new marriage covenants made on September 6th between Jeff Palmer & Rachel Clary and between Andrew Russ and Sara Prout. May God give them grace and commitment as they serve Him together forever.

Extend a welcome to Cara Ann Stinson, daughter of Paul and Stephanie, born August 1st and Benjamin Daniel Mora born to Aaron & Katie September 9th. Pray that they will grow physically and spiritually to the end that one day they will make personal commitments to Jesus Christ as their Savior.
 
To contribute to this column, marionphelps@charter.net or 772-0286.

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To subscribe to or unsubscribe from future emails from Community Church, please send your request to brian@mpcc.org.