A Devotion from Daniel

I have really been enjoying our time together strolling through the book of Romans.  I know for most of us that this is not the first time that Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome has been opened up for you and/or by you.  There is good reason for this as this letter is rich in information that is useful and applicable to us as “modern” humans.  For myself approaching this letter specifically for this sermon series as a user’s manual has brought new perspective and appreciation for the apostle Paul’s longest letter.

I thought it may be useful to recap some of the steps or commands that we have been given so far.

1. The remembrance of our sin, both past and present helps us to remain humble, and keeps us true to our mission.
2. Our Mission is to open the eyes of the foolish to the love letter that is creation all around them.
3. Do not be ashamed of the Gospel that saved you.
4. Do not be a hypocrite.
5. Understanding your audience will help you build a Christian testimony that is impactful.
6. Jesus changes everything.
7. Choose a master that will have you harvest the crop you desire.
8. Our dollar store barbie bow is never going to hit the bullseye.

This list will grow over the next 9 weeks.  It is important to remember that unlike your owner’s manual for that piece of particle board furniture you recently purchased these steps while numbered above are not in any particle order.  I would hope that each of us could look over this list and see not only what step they need to focus on, but I hope you have seen why each step matters.  That you have seen why getting each particle step right is going to make your walk with your savior more impactful, for yourself, your household, and to the world that you come into contact with each and every day.

Think of it this way.  Maybe you have step 6 down.  You know and believe that the life death and resurrection of Jesus changed the game completely… but you’re still walking a line trying to serve two masters.  Step 7 is where you need to focus before you keep moving forward.

Maybe you are sold out and you are serving the King with everything you have, serving no other master than Him.  But you are not being effective reaching the non-believers in your community.  Perhaps you need to take some time and learn step 5 and understand the audience you are trying to reach.  Learn their fears, learn what brings them joy.

Perhaps you know your audience well, you know that God wants you to reach out to those who you have the ability connect with on a level as piers, but fear has a hold of your tongue and the idea of sharing the Gospel publicly sends shivers down your spine.  You need some step 3 in your life and remember that you are to be unashamed of the Gospel that saved you.

Hopefully you get the point, don’t tune out if one week, one chapter is not the one that speaks to you where you are.  Be encouraged to know that it is speaking to someone.  Helping them to become the disciple they are called to be.  Look at the list honestly and earnestly, the truth is no one has it all figured out.  No one can open the book of Romans, yawn, and declare that they have no need for the wisdom and insights found within.

Each day is new. Each day we have the opportunity to continue the process of becoming more like our master.  It is a new day here at Meadowbrook, let’s make the most of it together.

Message from Anthony

Relational Worship: Keeping Our Pride in Check

The condition of our heart directly impacts the quality of our worship. “Too often we assume that the prime prerequisite for serving Jesus well is great giftedness, immense talent, or impressive academic credentials. Yet Peter and most of the disciples were ordinary fishermen from a backward part of the country. They were nobodies until Jesus called them.” (Dave Earley & Ben Gutierrez, Ministry Is)

I’ll reluctantly admit, I’m a fairly skilled musician. I can play several instruments, and while I’m not a prodigy at any of them, I can effectively and mechanically use them to play most music that is thrown my way. I’m also a halfway decent vocalist. I’m no Whitney Houston but I can stay on pitch and lead as well as follow vocally. These are just a few of the gifts that God has loaned me to use as I seek to teach others about Him.

Every gift we have been loaned by God can be a great blessing if used for its intended purpose, but it can also be a huge source of pride. That pride is a killer when it comes to a relationship with God. Pride causes us to take the spotlight for ourselves when we really should be pulling back the stage curtain for God. Often, we neglect relationships as a result of our increased self-focus. Most importantly, we neglect our relationship with God.

I’m intimately familiar with this danger because I’ve been through it myself. As a brand-new worship leader many years ago, I was excited at the opportunity. I’d never been “the guy” before, and I was quite proud that I was “in charge” of worship. After all, I believed that I was the most capable guy on the team. I was so focused on myself that I didn’t notice the worship team shrinking. I didn’t notice the hurt feelings of those around me who desired nothing more than to offer their gifts up to God. I didn’t understand why I was having difficulties effectively leading others.

I certainly didn’t understand why the pastor and elders called me in on a Saturday afternoon and asked me to step down as the worship leader. I had completely missed the mark when it came to leading the team, and I had gotten so far off course that I didn’t even know where I had gone wrong. I had taken my eyes off God, and therefore stopped following Him.

“Getting sidetracked is so easy… What you do for God is only a reflection of the relationship you have with God. If you want to do great things, you need to have a great relationship.” (Ali Worthington, Breaking Busy).

We cannot put ourselves in the way of our relationship with God, there just isn’t any room for self-centeredness in a truly dedicated Christian heart. We have to be totally about God’s glory and serving His people with encouragement and humility. I had to learn that lesson very painfully as my pride was broken to bits in that church office.

But I can honestly say it was one of the best lessons I’ve ever had as a worship leader, and it was crucial in preparing me to lead our team today. When our pride is kept in check, we see how much others truly matter. I’m okay with not being “the guy.” That’s not what God wants of me or anyone else. He wants us to be PART of the body, not trying to be the whole body on our own. We’ve got to be more concerned about others than we are of ourselves.

As Paul says in Romans 13:3-12:

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body, we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

In essence, “Your lifestyle should reveal what and who you really are.” (Oscar Thompson & Caroline Ritzman, Concentric Circles of Concern). Toss that pride aside and find the joy in serving.

Emergency GAP Meal Pack for Ukraine

 The Ukrainian people are still facing the threat of the Russian invasion. IDES has sent four shipping containers – over 1 million GAP meals to our partners in surrounding countries in order to assist them in caring for the refugees that have fled to their refugee camps.

IDES is working with additional partners to get GAP meals to those who remain in Ukraine. IDES in Noblesville, IN is hosting an Emergency GAP Pack in order to have another container shipped to their partners.

Emergency GAP Meal Pack Details:

 When:
May 9th – 14th 2022

Where:
IDES Headquarters
(355 Park 32 West Dr. Noblesville, IN 46062)

Times:
Monday – Thursday
10am – 12pm
1pm – 3pm

 Friday – Saturday
10am – 12pm
2pm – 4pm
6pm – 8pm

IDES needs volunteers like you to help pack 260,000 meals for those in need! If you would like to volunteer at this food pack, please reach out to Mike Tingley.  If you are unable to volunteer, but would like to donate, please place your donation in the offering plate indicating IDES in the memo line. Together we can bring Help & Hope to the Ukraine people in their time of need! Thanks for your support!

Summer camp registration starts May 1st.  Come see Anthony for camp dates and registration help. Financial assistance available on a case by case basis. Want to sponsor a child for camp this year? Connect with us and bless one of our youth this summer!

Our MCC youth group will be meeting off-campus for the summer from June through August on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm.  If you are interested in hosting the youth group at your home and providing a meal and space for the youth, please sign-up for a date in the summer on the sign-up sheet in the foyer.

There will be a VBS team meeting after service on June 12th for all volunteers.  Haven’t signed up yet? Many spots are still available to help!

A Devotion from Daniel

Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of “be the hands and feet of Jesus”?

I’m sure you have.  You have probably even said it yourself many times.  As Christians we are taught that we have a responsibility to continue Christ’s mission here on Earth.  He came to this Earth to draw the lost close to the father.  If that was Jesus’s mission it is ours as well.  We gather around The Great Commission; the command Jesus gave His followers in Matthew 28.  We know that the “good news” is to spread to the entire world.  That we are to baptize these people in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.  We know that we are to teach them to obey the teachings Jesus gave us.  We know that by being the hands and feet we can draw the world towards the one true God so that we can accomplish this mission.

When our savior walked the Earth, He drew people towards the father by healing the sick, freeing the spiritually oppressed, feeding the hungry, and loving the un-loveable.  Our Churches today for the most part do a very good job at emulating this model.  We have become very efficient and comfortable running food pantries or soup kitchens to feed the hungry.  We send doctors and medicines all over the globe to bring healing.  We have prison ministries to bring hope and forgiveness to those far from society.  We send money all over the globe to house, feed, and educate orphans.  We love people because we want them to see Jesus held high on a post, to be drawn towards him and decide that they too would like to step into the light.

I could walk into just about any size Church in this country with any denominational sign hanging in its front window and I could find different ways that that community of believers there were being the hands and feet.  But how would we respond if we were asked to be the hands and feet in a situation that we never thought we would be asked to serve in?

This week as war erupted in Ukraine, I read a letter from a Pastor in Kyiv.  A young man about my age who also has four daughters.  He and his congregation had decided to stay in the capital in spite of the pending invasion so that they could serve the community they lived in during the worst of times.  Instead of collecting non-perishables for the local food pantry, they were busy converting their basement into a bomb shelter.  Instead of taking up a collection to support an orphanage they were giving free first aid classes teaching folks how to keep airways clear and apply tourniquets for when the fighting arrived at their front door.  They were preparing to be the hands and feet in conditions that they were not in any way shape or form prepared for or comfortable with.

Why? Why not flee?  Why not save your lives, your children’s lives, your neighbor’s lives by getting out of the line of fire?  Pastor Vasyl said “We have decided to stay, both as a family and as a church. When this is over, the citizens of Kyiv will remember how Christians have responded in their time of need.”

When you have a moment this week read Matthew 25, specifically verses 31-40.  Keep feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, keep visiting the sick, keep caring for the orphans and widows.  Keep doing the things that we are good at as a Church but remember we must also be prepared to go above and beyond, to be made uncomfortable in order to fulfill our Great Commission.

Message from Anthony

Relational Worship: Grounded in God

 “Jesus, lover of my soul. Jesus, I will never let you go. You’ve taken me from the miry clay, set my feet upon the rock and now I know… I love You. I need You. Though my world may fall, I’ll never let you go. My Savior, my closest friend. I will worship you until the very end.” (“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” Ezzy, Grul, McPherson)

The first and most important relationship for any Christian is a firm and well-rounded relationship with God. Our relationship with God is the very evidence of our Christianity, our desire to be “like Christ” in everything we say and do. We maintain and demonstrate this relationship through worship – not just the songs we sing on Sunday morning, but in every aspect of our lives. We worship Him in our family interactions, our work performance, our words, and our actions.

Every moment is a chance to show others what a true relationship with God looks like. If we really value our relationship with God and are truly thankful for the sacrifice that He made on the cross for our sins, then every aspect of our lives will reflect Him. In her book Breaking Busy, Alli Worthington says “I think that sometimes we Christians forget how special it is that we can have a relationship, a real, close, personal relationship with God.” and she is exactly right.

We take the privilege of that relationship for granted, especially here in the United States, because that privilege is never challenged. We don’t have to worry about someone taking away our “right to worship” or bulldozing our church buildings. We always have the comfort of knowing that God is “right there on the shelf” whenever we need Him. But that type of a relationship is not the kind of relationship that will inspire others to worship! We cannot lead others to a place that we are not going ourselves, and that includes leading them to a deeper and more committed worship of God.

Oscar Thompson and Caroline Ritzman put relationships in perspective in their book Concentric Circles of Concern (which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to take evangelism to the next level). One of the quotes that really sticks with me is this: “A person can never lead another closer to the Lord than he or she already is. Evangelism must flow from a life that is deeply in love with the Lord.”

You see, our talents and gifts mean absolutely nothing without a committed focus on God first. The privilege we are afforded because of the tremendous work of Christ is unique. We are offered a relationship, and it’s through that relationship that we will reach others.

There’s nothing we can do outside of that relationship that is going to accomplish the task of leading others to walk closer to Him. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10 NLT)

Just as we cannot attain salvation for ourselves outside of our relationship with God, we cannot lead others without Him. As we noted a few weeks ago in our CounterCultural series, God isn’t in the head business, He’s in the heart business. God is more concerned with our heart than anything else, because the condition of our heart is what drives everything we do. Be driven to shine your light everywhere, because there’s a dark world out there that needs to hear about Jesus’ love.

Movie Event – Sponsored by the Missions Team

• The Youth Group has raised $183.22 of their $500 Mission goal this year!  Their goal is to donate $250 to ChildFund International – a group that provides basic needs for children all over the world, and $250 to put together 10 Thanksgiving food baskets for our community families who need them this year.
• The Youth Group will be attending the Zach Williams concert scheduled to come to Michigan on April 22, 2022 at 7pm at Mt Zion in Clarkston.  The youth will have first priority as to the tickets, but any remaining tickets will be available to the rest of the congregation starting April 1^st on a first come first serve basis.  Please see Anthony Knotts with any questions. Some financial assistance may be available.
• Our MCC youth group will be meeting off-campus for the summer from June through August on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm.  If you are interested in hosting the youth group at your home and providing a meal and space for the youth, please sign-up for a date in the summer on the sign-up sheet in the foyer.

Church Calendar

If you would like to book a space at the church building for an event, please contact Brenda Cox with the date, time, building location, and any other pertinent details, and she will add it to the church calendar to prevent overlapping events.  Her email is bmcox66@gmail.com and cell phone number is 586-615-1614.

Bethany Thomas – March 4
Jim Cavins – March 4
Jessica Riedl – March 10
Kathi Tope – March 20
Nancy Paul – March 20
Joe Romaella – March 24
Jacquelyn Thomas – March 25
Mike Tingley – March 28
Marion Thomas – March 31

A Devotion from Daniel

All societies and cultures have these rights of passages at different times in life that signify the beginning of, or the end of something.  The Jewish faith has their Bat Mitzvah when a boy becomes a man.  Many Hispanic communities celebrate a Quincea-era when a young girl becomes a young lady.  In our country, in general, there are some that are more common among the general population.  Maybe it is the freedom of acquiring a driver’s license or turning 18 so you can vote… and pay taxes.  Perhaps it is graduating from high school or heading off to college.

These pre-described cultural standards help us to know what is coming next.  They help us define responsibilities and are also useful in knowing what we can expect or ask of someone.  Many times, knowing what thresholds an individual has surpassed lets us know what they may be capable of.  Or at least it makes us think we know what they are capable of.  Because these norms are usually accurate in defining someone.  But they aren’t always.  If I describe a very successful person to you, someone who built a computer company let’s say into a billion-dollar conglomerate you would assume they passed the life test of college… but many who find themselves in this position are dropouts.  As we all know every “rule” has exceptions.  We have all met 17-year-olds mature enough to vote or own a firearm and 25-year-olds who we wouldn’t trust to cat sit for us.

Here is why I am thinking about these milestones of life.  The other day I changed the type of product I use to style my hair (that may be the least masculine sentence I have ever written).  Anywho, I was paying extra attention to the mirror as I applied this new gel to see if I liked it and I saw something I had never seen before, a grey hair.  I looked closer and closer and to my horror, I saw it wasn’t one, or two… it was an impending infestation.  I talked myself down trying to remember that if I played my cards right maybe after a few years becoming a silver fox would make me appear wiser!

Scripture is full of passages telling us to seek wisdom.  And I think stereotypically when we close our eyes and envision a wise man most of us see an older gentleman with white hair.  Here is the truth though it is not the color of the hair that makes us wise.  One of the reasons we gain wisdom with age is because, as we age, we often find it easier to let go of our pride and embrace humbleness.  Just like all the other examples above, no rule is 100% accurate.  We can encounter uncommon wisdom in a young man, and we can encounter old men who act like petulant children.

It is true that pride leads to dishonor and humbleness leads to wisdom.  Too many of us embrace our pride during our youth thinking there will be a time for humble thoughts and wisdom.  When our hair turns grey, that’s when we finally find it a bit easier to let go of ourselves.  When we finally slow down and see the value in things beyond ourselves.  Young men, young women you don’t have to wait to see grey in your mirror before you seek wisdom.  Tomorrow isn’t promised, lay your pride down today.  Older men, older women don’t hold onto wisdom as the property of the select few who have achieved AARP status.  Open the gates to all who seek.

Proverbs 11:2 (NASB)
When pride comes, then comes dishonor;
But with the humble there is wisdom.

Message from Anthony

The Worship Leader: Don’t Leave Your Family Behind

We’ve been talking about our role as worship leaders these past few months. We know that no matter what we do, we are leaders – hopefully leading others to grow closer to God. As we defend the Word and maintain a healthy worship life outside the church, there’s one area of our life that we can’t neglect. The first people we often lead are those in our family.

We have been called to be leaders, focused on bringing others into a learning and growing relationship with Christ. Sometimes we forget where that leadership starts, however. We become so focused on helping strangers grow to know God, that we forget to lead our families first. We pursue world missions in faraway places, but we leave our own homes in total spiritual disrepair. This isn’t what God desires from us.

    As we lead others to follow Christ, we cannot be ministers to the world and strangers at home. Abandoning our partner to become a ministry widow is not an option. Leaving our kids to languish amidst the world’s messaging and influence is not an option. Going it alone when tackling the resistance and opposition that comes with ministering to people whom Satan wants to keep from God is not an option. We have to begin and end our ministry on the home front.

    When a military power goes to battle, they endeavor to protect their homeland and especially their capital at all costs. They treat their homefront as a precious treasure, one that they would gladly lay down their lives to defend. We had a saying in the service “I’d gladly lay down my life for my country, but the goal is to get the enemy to lay down his life for his country first.”

But as worship leaders, we can tend to spend so much time away from our family doing everything as we try to follow God, that we leave our family utterly defenseless as we try to save the world. It doesn’t make any sense at all when you think about it. A true man or woman of God leads their family first.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b)

Missions Update – February 2022
Gideons International

“We are a body of believers dedicated to making the Word of God available to everyone and, together with the local church, reaching souls for Christ.”

Gideons representatives, Larry Quince and Terry Smith visited Meadowbrook on January 16th.  Gideons International gives out bibles globally in over 200 languages.  It has been a few years since they have visited due to the pandemic, so it was great to see them again and hear Larry speak about their mission and our churches’ part in that ministry.

Larry shared a testimony about a man that was so thankful for the Gideons.  He had previously had problems with alcohol and domestic violence, which resulted in his arrest and imprisonment.   While in prison, he was given a Bible, and that was instrumental in turning his life around.  The Gideons also hand out Bibles at college campuses which impact the lives of college students.  Bibles are also left in hotels, and guests that need them are welcome to keep them.  The Gideons also have greeting cards to purchase in support of their ministry.

Due to the support of our church and others like us, these Bibles are free to those who need them.  Our support of this mission is instrumental in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.  What a blessing and privilege to serve the Lord in this way.

SIS In Action

Sisters in Service thanks you for donating socks, lip balm and canned meat for the Blessing Bags provided free of charge to people in need.  During our January meeting, we packed 24 bags filled with hats, gloves, socks, lip balm, band aids, tissues and food.

The bags and additional socks and lip balm were delivered to Lighthouse who will distribute these items to their clients in need.

Our upcoming meetings will include the Ladies Breakfast, on Feb 26, and packing Easter Baskets for Rochester Neighborhood House on March 26 at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Breakfast Invitation To All Ladies At Meadowbrook

Sisters in Service invites all of the ladies at Meadowbrook to attend the annual SIS Breakfast on Saturday, February 26 at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by SIS, enhance your love for God and enjoy time together creating a special keepsake.  Please let us know if you will attend by adding your name to the sign-up sheet in the foyer or email Cathy at cathypodvin28@gmail.com.

MCC Youth Attend Winter Jam 2022

Anthony, several adults and some of the Meadowbrook Youth attended Winter Jam 22 on January 30, 2022 in Ypsilanti, MI.  This concert featured many Christian worship singers and bands.  It was a great time spent praising and worshipping the Lord together.

Zach Williams is scheduled for April 22, 2022 at 7pm in Clarkston at Mt Zion.  Anthony and some of the youth will be going.  Available tickets are limited, so please see Anthony Knotts for tickets and more information.   Some financial assistance may be available.

Anniversaries
Lothar & Arleen Rossol – February 2

Birthdays
Leanna Thomas – February 3
Shalon Cox – February 22
Zain Cox – February 22
James Friedlund – February 23

Message from Anthony

The Worship Leader: Having A Healthy Worship Life Outside the Church

Hey MCC Family,

MCC Youth Group Resumes In The New Year!

MCC Youth Group has resumed meeting in 2022.  Winter Jam 22 is scheduled for January 30, 2022 in Ypsilanti, MI featuring many Christian worship singers/bands.  There will be a group leaving the Church @ 2pm that day, if you are interested in going.  Also, a Zack Williams concert is coming up on April 22nd in Clarkston, Michigan at Mt. Zion Church.  Available tickets are limited, so be sure to see Anthony for tickets & more info.  Some financial assistance may be available.

The youth group normally meets weekly on Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Youth Room Downstairs.  All kids from 3rd through 12th grade are welcome.  Be sure to come check out all the fun and fellowship!

January Sisters-in-Service (SIS) Meeting

The Sisters in Service ladies have been busy again dedicating their time and talents to support the community.

During our November meeting we made burp cloths in partnership with Sisters of the Cloth. The burp cloths will be donated to the Crossroads Care Center along with $300 so they can purchase highchairs to support parents in need.

Several ladies are also participating in the SIS Secret Pal program.  This will be a fun way to encourage and support each other throughout the year.  Our pals will be revealed during the May SIS meeting.

We are looking forward to supporting a new organization, House of Providence (www.thehofp.org).  HOP is a foster home for teens located in Oxford, MI.  We donated stuffed animals and gift cards as Christmas gifts.  The House of Providence and Youth Group event has been postponed and will be re-scheduled.

Ladies, mark your calendars to attend these upcoming Sisters In Service meetings in the Fellowship Hall:

• Saturday January 22, 10:00am:  the ladies will be working on blessing bags.
• Saturday, February 26, 10:00am:  breakfast meeting for all ladies in the church sponsored by SIS.

Missions Update – January 2022 – Karamoja Bible Study Center

Mike and Linda Tingley received the following email from Duncan Ojiambo at the Karamoja Bible Study Center after receiving the mission support that Meadowbrook sent in December:

Hello brethren,

Happy New Year to you all.

I am very thrilled and short of the right words to use to express our appreciation to Meadowbrook Church family for the partnership that we have in propagating the gospel, training preachers and expanding the Kingdom of God.

I received the gifts (my gift of $150, and $ 1350) for the church construction in South Karamoja. THANK YOU, brother Mike and sister Linda please let the church know that we are very grateful for your continuous support.

Upon receiving the funds, we couldn’t keep it for any longer. Geoffrey and I set off for Karamoja to go and begin the construction of the church right away. We took with us a team of 3 builders. We couldn’t wait because of the challenges we are facing at our current rented house.

When we arrived, we looked for bricks and paid for 6000 bricks, 6 trucks of sand, 20 bags of cement, 20 pieces of timber.  We also bought wheelbarrow, 2 hoes, 1 machete, hammer etc.

On the December 31st,2021 we had a leaders meeting, we introduced this gift to them and asked them to help the builders do the job. After the meeting we had a groundbreaking and the digging of the foundation started right away.

We know that the funds will not be enough to complete the building, but we trust our mighty God for more provision. By faith we will have this house of God completed. We decided to build a permanent building (bricks, sand and cement) instead of a semi-permanent building of (poles, and mud). We were advised that termites are many in this area and will destroy the poles in a short-term.

May God bless you abundantly and continue praying for his work of faith.

Duncan

Linda replied to Duncan’s email and requested prayer for Meadowbrook as well in our search for our new Teaching Pastor and here was his response:

Dear Mission Team,

Receive greetings from Uganda. Thank you very much for your response and encouragement.

I will be praying that God will guide the search process for the teaching pastor. Meadowbrook deserves a right person to serve in this capacity.  And God knows this right person He has prepared for Meadowbrook. We only need to pray that He will lead you leaders to His servant.

The construction work is going on well, I will send an update tomorrow.

Thank you again for your love and commitment to God’s work.

Duncan

Ron Borton – January 4
Matt Cox – January 8
Don Edwards – January 14
Linda Tingley – January 14
Lothar Rossol – January 17
Darrell Cox – January 19
Aleczander Cox – January 25
Cathy Podvin – January 28

Message from Anthony

Our Hope in Christ

This month we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the hope that He brought into this world for all mankind.  Usually, we focus on giving to others, proclaiming His birth, and spending time with our family and loved ones. This year is a bit different for the folks up in Oxford, though, as they cope with the loss of four bright young lives and the significant impact on their families and the families of so many more affected by the shooting. For them, and for us, a tragedy like this during this season can get us thinking that this is more the season of taking than the season of giving.

Like with the 2015 shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg Oregon, I know this will be a time of mourning for Oxford and the surrounding communities. But this is also the time when we as a church need to show the love that God has for them more than ever. Through prayer, support, encouragement, and more, we can truly embrace the season of giving with all that we give to those who are hurting most right now.

We celebrate this season as the season of giving because we know the hope that Christ gave us in entering this world so many years ago, and we put that hope, that faith, into practice by how we love one another. So, as Romans 12:15 says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” and remember what Christ told us so many years ago:

John 16:33 ESV
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Merry Christmas and God bless you and your families this year.

MCC Youth Group Spread Some Holiday Blessings! Happy Thanksgiving!

The MCC Youth Group kids prepared and delivered food baskets they put together for people in need on Thursday, November 18th.  Many families were blessed by their giving hearts and thoughtfulness.

Winter Jam 22 is scheduled for January 30, 2022 in Ypsilanti, MI featuring many Christian worship singers/bands.  There will be a group leaving the Church @ 2pm that day, if you are interested in going.  Also, a Zack Williams concert is coming up on April 22nd in Clarkston, Michigan at Mt. Zion Church.  Available tickets are limited, so be sure to see Anthony for tickets & more info.  Some financial assistance may be available.

There will be a Youth Group Christmas party on December 16^th from 7-8:30pm.  There will be a White Elephant gift exchange and lots of fun for everyone.

The youth group normally meets weekly on Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Youth Room Downstairs.  All kids from 3rd through 12th grade are welcome.  Be sure to come check out all the fun and fellowship!

December Sisters-in-Service (SIS) Meeting

We won’t hold a SIS meeting in December.  Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 10am in the MCC Fellowship Hall.  During this meeting we’ll make lunch and spend time with the kids from House of Providence.

Missions Update – December 2021 – Karamoja Bible Study Center

Meadowbrook received an email from Duncan at the Karamoja Bible Study Center.  He reported that some COVID restrictions have been lifted in Uganda and they are able to operate their Bible Training Centers again. They are starting a building project on recently purchased property and are requesting financial assistance. Duncan reports 10
decisions/baptisms occurred in the last month. They are very grateful for the church’s prayers and
financial support.  Here is a portion of Duncan’s recent email:

“Please let the entire church family know we love you all and always pray for you all. We appreciate your financial support towards the Lord’s work in Karamoja.  Villages Churches are gathering, and we planted another congregation last month. This church is also gathering under a tree shade. We give God the glory that when it comes to worshipping Him, people don’t care about where to gather. Church happens anywhere.

We have started digging a pit latrine. Now that we have water on the property, the pit latrine is being dug.  The hope of us moving and getting relieved from the renting burden is clear. This pit latrine work is a work in faith as well. We don’t have money to build it, but we continue to trust God who has brought us this far to finish what He started. 

The Missions team prayerfully considered their request of support and decided to send $1350 to them in support of their building project.  Additionally, we decided to give each of our missions a Christmas gift of $150 each.  The
exception being Karamoja, who will receive $1500 (combination Christmas gift and extra gift toward
building project).  The total of these gifts is $3000.

Thank you to our Meadowbrook family for the generosity that allows support of these valuable missions.  We really appreciate your love, prayers, and resources!  Praise the Lord that we are able to give assistance to the missions we feel God is calling us to support.  We also thank you for supporting the Thanksgiving Lighthouse Food Drive, Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Child, as well as the Red Cross Blood Drive!  It is such a blessing to help others!

Birthdays
Karen Parrett – December 4
Mary Jane Cavins – December 5
Brad Koster – December 16
Karen Robinson – December 21
Elaine Klaus – December 24
Jerri Gilbert – December 29
Jean Cox – December 30

Anniversaries
Elaine & Eric Klaus (Anniv.) – December 1
Darrell & Jean Cox (Anniv.) – December 22
Matt & Brenda Cox (Anniv.) – December 27

Message from Anthony

Worshiping with Gratitude

There are so many reasons in our worship music to be grateful for who the Lord is and all that He has done, is doing, and continues to do because He loves us. Here are just a few to encourage you this season:

Give Thanks (Henry Smith, CCLI#20285)
Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son.
And now let the weak say I am strong, Let the poor say I am rich.
Because of what the Lord has done for us, Give thanks.

Thank Your Lord (Don Moen, Paul Baloche, CCLI#4220833)
I come before You today, And there’s just one thing that I want to say Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord.
For all You’ve given to me, For all the blessings that I cannot see, Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord.
With a grateful heart with a song of praise, With an outstretched arm I will bless Your name.
Thank You Lord, I just want to thank You Lord, Thank You Lord, I just want to thank You Lord.
For all You’ve done in my life, You took my darkness and gave me Your light Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord.
You took my sin and my shame You took my sickness and healed all my pain, Thank You Lord thank You Lord.

I Am Thankful (Anthony Knotts, CCLI#7144538)
I am thankful for the life within me, I am grateful for the joy I know.
I am thankful for the Lamb who rescued me, I am grateful for the joy I know.
There’s never been a love so wonderful, I know, I am thankful.
There’s never been a peace so powerful, I know, I am thankful.
I am thankful that you hung in my place, I am grateful for the joy I know.
I am thankful that you emptied the grave, I am grateful for the mercy you show.
There’s never been a love so wonderful, I know, I am thankful.
There’s never been a peace so powerful, I know, I am thankful.

What Can I Do (Graham Kendrick, Paul Baloche, CCLI#4554279)
When I see the beauty of a sunset’s glory, Amazing artistry across the evening sky.
When I feel the mystery of a distant galaxy, It awes and humbles me, To be loved by a God so high.
What can I do but thank You, What can I do but give my life to You, Hallelujah, hallelujah.
What can I do but praise You, Every day make everything I do, A hallelujah, A hallelujah.
When I hear the story of a God of mercy, Who shared humanity and suffered by our side.
Of the cross they nailed You to, That could not hold You.
Now You’re making all things new, By the power of Your risen life.

Thank You Jesus (Hannah Hobbs, Matt Crocker, CCLI#7004672)
Grace that flows like a river, Washing over me.
Fount of heaven, Love of Christ, Overflow in me.
Thank You Jesus, You set me free.
Christ my Saviour, You rescued me.
Take this life delivered, A vessel of Your love.
Wholly now devoted, To see Your kingdom come.
You’ve given me life, You’ve opened my eyes.
I love You Lord, I love You Lord.
You’ve entered my heart, You’ve set me apart.
I love You Lord, I love You Lord.

No matter what your season looks like, or who’s seated around your Thanksgiving table, we all have more reasons than we can count to be grateful this year. God bless, and happy Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for YOU.

Meadowbrook Youth Group Putting Together Food Baskets

The kids are meeting on Thursday evenings, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., at Meadowbrook, in the new TEEN Room downstairs.  It is located across the hall from the kitchen/fellowship hall.   The youth have raised funds and are planning to put together food baskets for people in need.  If you are aware of anyone in need of a blessing, please contact our Youth Minister, Anthony, at anthonycknotts@gmail.com.  The youth will deliver the baskets on November 18th.

SIS Create Fidget Mats to help Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

Missions Update – November 2021 – His House Christian Fellowship

His House Christian Fellowship exists to bring the gospel to college campuses and send students back out as world changers for Christ.  With twelve locations across Michigan, you can be involved as a student or a supporter on a campus close to you!

Message from Anthony

The Worship Leader: Always in Defense of God’s Truth

Whether you are in front of the congregation for a Sunday morning service or in the pew next to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, YOU are a worship leader. Someone is always watching how you worship, how you connect with others, how you defend the faith, and how you prioritize God in your life. Even when you fall down and mess up, people are watching to see how you get back up. You are always leading someone as you follow Christ – whether you know it or not. So what does a worship leader look like? How can we be better worship leaders AND better worshipers as we follow God? Just like a house, it all starts with our foundation – the Word.

The Word means exactly what it says. There is no room for human interjection or rebooting it like a superhero series. What you read is exactly what God intended to write. Sometimes, those words are a bit uncomfortable. Sometimes, we don’t exactly like what they have to say to us. Sometimes the message we’re receiving from the Bible makes our society a bit angry. Too bad. Saying the Word is uncool, culturally rejected, or makes us uncomfortable is not a good enough excuse to try and rewrite the inherent Word of God. The Bible was never intended to adapt to culture, rather our culture is mandated to revolve around the truth of the Word.

As leaders, we must be ever vigilant in defense of this truth. We must be prepared to stand courageously and defend the truth, even in the face of adversity, and even to the point of death. We must claim Christ and the Word fully, not just partially, or we disqualify ourselves and all who follow us from eternity in heaven with the Father. We don’t want to arrive in heaven only for God to say “I don’t know what you were preaching down there, but it certainly isn’t what I said.” No, we have a responsibility to accurately represent God and Christianity no matter the personal cost.

Before coming to Meadowbrook, I lived in Roseburg, Oregon. It’s the heart of the Umpqua Valley, and the home to Umpqua Community College. Many of my professors from Liberty University remember praying with me as the events of October 1, 2015 unfolded. I was sitting in an office less than three miles away when Chris Harper Mercer stepped onto the Umpqua Community College campus and started shooting my friends and fellow residents.

Everyone was in shock at what was happening. None of us had believed for a second that it could happen here, but it did. Worse yet, Mercer was asking his victims a question before shooting them. He asked each one “Are you a Christian?” and issued them an order, stating “If you are a Christian, stand up.” Knowing that he was most likely going to kill them, those students still stood for God. Even when Mercer told them “because you are a Christian you’re going to see God in about one second” they still stood as he killed them.

Here I was, less than a year into my degree for ministry, while three miles away is the reminder of the very real danger to standing up for Christ. Martyrdom doesn’t just happen in faraway places, and the shooting at UCC was a stark and sobering reminder of just what I had signed up for when I dedicated my soul and my life’s work to proclaiming Christ.

What sticks in my mind and in the minds of our community residents is that these students chose to stand when they could have hid. They could have denied Christ, but instead they took up their cross and stood for the truth. If they can do so in the face of certain death, there is no excuse for us refusing to do so in the face of peer pressure.

The Word leaves no room for compromise on the morals and instruction of God. There is no bargaining room, no haggling that we can do to make what is wrong become right. Instead of looking for a way to conform to the culture, we need to ensure that we are right with God. We stand on the front lines of the battle between the forces of a fallen world and the hope of salvation that only comes from Christ. We never know when we will be called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the truth.

A true worship leader courageously stands in defense of the Word, no matter the personal cost, because this life is not all there is. The last thing that several of those UCC students did on this earth was proclaim Christ, and what better way to lead others to Him than to follow in the footsteps of the apostles?

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) – Paul of Tarsus

Meadowbrook Youth Group Meets Thursday Evenings

The kids are meeting on Thursday evenings, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., at Meadowbrook, in the new TEEN Room downstairs.  It is located across the hall from the kitchen/fellowship hall.  There has been lots of fun, fellowship, and games, as well as growing closer to God and each other!

Please see Anthony if you have any questions.

Please plan on attending the next Sisters In Service (SIS) Meeting on Monday, October 25th from 6-7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  The first meeting for the SIS season in September was spent enjoying dinner together, spending time getting to know each other, and planning the 2021/22 service year.  If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Podvin.

Missions Update – October 2021 (Update)

IDES – International Disaster Emergency Services

IDES Mission Statement –  “IDES exists to meet physical and spiritual needs of suffering people throughout the world in the name of Jesus Christ.”

• The IDES organization returned our phone call and reviewed some of the currently available “in person” volunteer opportunities.  Here are a few of the things Meadowbrook could participate in:
  1. Funding and participate in a meal packing event.  This event could be organized in our area either with Meadowbrook alone or with other local churches.
  2. Participate in one of the two large packing events that are held every year that are already funded in Indiana. None are currently scheduled, but we could participate as soon as one is scheduled.
  3. Fund and build sheds on location in Indiana.
• The MCC Missions Team will be meeting 10/6/21 and discuss what option would best fit our resources.  As soon as additional information is available, it will be announced.
•  Thank you to our Meadowbrook family for your continued generous Faith Promise offerings that are making a difference in the lives of our community and around the world!

Join in the fun at the Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 24th

A meeting to finalize Fall Festival plans will be held on October 10^th, meeting immediately following  church to finalize plans for the fall festival being held on the 24th.

On Sunday October 24th, there will be a Pot luck at noon followed by youth games and bounce house.  Plan on attending and join in on the fun!

Looking for a way to serve at MCC?

• Make cookies, brownies, bread (banana, zucchini, etc.) to support our “Fellowship in the Foyer” right after church.  See Joe or Mimi Romaella to help with this ministry!
• Join a Mowing Team!
• Join Sisters in Service as they start up in the fall to serve our community!
• Join the Missions Team!
• Serve Jesus! All helping hands are welcome.  Please see one of our Elders or Deacons to get plugged in.

1Peter4:10:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

October Birthdays
Tom Schwartzenberger – October 2
Arleen Rossol – October 3
Kathy Couture – October 8
Gene Paul – October 10
Tamara Elwell – October 11
Carolyn Bennett – October 16
Debi Newton – October 17
Wendy Kapusta – October 20
Pat Wundrach – October 20
Jim Martin – October 24
Nona Wundrach – October 26

October Anniversaries
Denis & Kathy Couture – October 8
Dan & Elaine Bright – October 17
Ron & Theresa Meegan – October 21
Jeremy & Brandy Cox – October 28

Message from Anthony

The Truth About Worship: Part 2 – Worship Is All About The Power Of The Lord

Meadowbrook Youth Group “Time Change” for the School Year

The kids will begin to meet on Thursday evenings, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., back at Meadowbrook.  Come and check out our new TEEN Room downstairs, across the hall from the kitchen/fellowship hall!!!  The room has been renovated and is ready to be enjoyed.  There will be lots of fun, fellowship, and games, all while growing closer to God and each other!

Please see Anthony if you have any questions.

Sisters in Service Mission:    We exist to honor God by ministering to those who are in need and encouraging one another to the praise of His Glory.

All ladies are welcome to join the SIS meetings to fellowship in His word with each other and support people in need in the community.  This is an example of what we have done to support the community:  

• Assembled Blessing Bags and donated them to Lighthouse to give to homeless men and women
• Gifting children through Rochester Neighborhood House with Christmas Gifts, and Easter Baskets assembled by SIS.
• In partnership with Sisters of the Cloth, we made fleece blankets and hats for St. Joseph Hospital, we made weighted shawls for Medi-Lodge residents and Comfy Heart pillows for Beaumont and Ascension Crittenden Hospitals for Breast Cancer and Cardiac patients
• Treated the residents of HAVEN to a home cooked Taco meal at their shelter

SIS Meetings:  SIS meets either on the 4th Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8pm or the 4th Saturday of the month from 10 – 11:30am.  We’ll share the actual meeting dates soon.  

Ladies – plan now to attend the first meeting of the new SIS year on Monday, September 27 at 6:30 pm.  

Garage Sale:  We are so thankful to everyone for helping to make this year’s Church “garage” sale a huge success. Thank you for donating your household items.  We raised $1,956 this year!  We will be able to do a lot of good in the community this year!

There is so much we can do and we ask for your prayers as we plan our new year and make decisions on which organizations and people to support in the community.

If you have any questions about SIS, please contact one of the SIS Officers:

President:  Cathy Podvin

Treasurer:  Debbie Stallings

Secretary:  Lynn Ross

Hospitality:  Karen Robinson

Missions Update – September 2021

IDES – International Disaster Emergency Services

IDES Mission Statement –  “IDES exists to meet physical and spiritual needs of suffering people throughout the world in the name of Jesus Christ.”

• HAITI Update: as of Thursday, August 19, 2021 – IDES partners in Haiti are doing an incredible job of assessing the earthquake damage and coordinating their needs with us.  They are beginning to provide emergency relief and making plans for the future.  IDES has already sent significant emergency funding for immediate needs and is continuing to make funds available as plans are developing.
• MCC Missions Team will be checking on physical “in person” volunteer opportunities available for our church to participate in, such as meal packing, shed building, etc..
• The MCC Missions Team met 9/1/21 and decided unanimously  to use contingency funds  to provide “one time” extra support to Ninos de Mexico and IDES.  The decision was based on immediate needs for these two missions we support.
  • Excerpt from the Nino de Mexico request: “After a year and a half of attending classes virtually, the kids are gearing up to return to their classrooms!  They are extremely excited as they look forward to seeing friends and teachers again.  They did well during this difficult last year, but they are really, really, ready to get back to school. Needless to say, the house parents are ready for this as well!  Your help is needed today! New uniforms will be needed for all of our kids and that is going to take a lot of time and money. The new school year starts on August 30th, and that day is going to be here quickly. Each child will need three uniforms, tennis shoes, dress shoes, a backpack, and other school supplies. Right now we are serving 119 children and we are estimating that the average cost per child will be $250.00.  That is a grand total of $29,750!  Your help is really needed!”  MCC will be sending $500 to help offset these expenses.
  • MCC will also be sending an additional $500 to IDES for Hurricane IDA support.
•  Thank you to our Meadowbrook family for the generous Faith Promise offering that helped make these two extra donations possible!

Looking for a way to serve at MCC and love like Jesus?

• We need a few handy people to help get our playscape back in shape for the kids. Contact Dan Bright to lend a hand!
• Make cookies, brownies, bread (banana, zucchini, etc.) to support our “Fellowship in the Foyer” right after church.  See Joe or Mimi Romaella to help with this ministry!
• Volunteer at Youth Group!  Speak to Anthony Knotts to help out!
• Join Sisters in Service as they start up in the fall to serve our community!
• Join the Praise team or Sound Booth Crew — sing or play an instrument!
• Serve Jesus! All helping hands are welcome.  Please see one of our Elders or Deacons to get plugged in.  We are all members of Christ’s body. AMEN!

1Peter4:10:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

September

Birthdays:

Ron Meegan – September 5
Phil Johnson – September 7
Jaysun Thomas – September 23

Anniversaries:

Mike & Linda Tingley  – September 10
Hector & Laura Urteaga  – September 12
Tim & Carol Howell  – September 12

Pat & Nona Wundrach  – September 26

Message from Anthony

The Truth About Worship – Part 1: 

Worship Is All About The Presence Of The Lord

Worship is universal, eternal, and inevitable. No matter who you are, what time period you find yourself in, or to which end of the religious spectrum you align, you will worship. For those of us who worship the Lord, it is important to learn from those who’ve come before, so that we can apply those principles to the future. To this, I would offer our first truth about worship: that worship is all about the presence of the Lord.

Looking to the Old Testament, worship was mostly centered on the fear of the Lord. He is mighty, He is powerful, He is Creator God and so He is to be worshiped by His creation. Moses had to hide his face from the glory of the Lord, and even still, there was a glow about him from the brief exposure to God’s glory. This was an extraordinary event, that Moses would be allowed to be so close to the Lord, given that the price for our sin had not yet been paid in full! God’s presence was evident in Moses and it was clear to everyone. (see Exodus 33:18 through 34:35 ESV)

Looking to the New Testament, Jesus was present among us. He talked with, ate with, and traveled with His disciples and many others, touching people and healing people along the way. When they’d been with Jesus, the evidence was clear in them as well, be it opened eyes, eradicated disease, or even life from death, there was no question of Jesus’ presence in their lives, changing them forever. (see Acts 4:13 ESV)

Finally, once Jesus had ascended, we have the example of Pentecost, where the Spirit of the Lord descended upon the apostles, and they were changed from ordinary men into men who carried the very presence of God within them, teaching with conviction, healing with compassion, and exemplifying Christ without fear for their own well being. Thousands came to be saved because of the relationship these men had with the Living God, and it’s still happening today, in the hearts of believers around the world. (see Acts 2:1-47 ESV)

It seems the common thread to truly life-changing worship for the believer is the presence of God. Without Him, there is no worship, there is no change within us, and there is no purpose to the Good News He’s called us to share. Always seek the presence of the Lord and make sure it’s to His glory when you worship, and the evidence will be clear in your life.

Youth Group activities return to Meadowbrook

Our Youth Group enjoyed the off-campus Thursday evening outings at some of the Meadowbrook family homes.  Many thanks to the hosts for these events!  It was a nice way to relax, enjoy a change of scenery, have a lot of fun, be together, and learn more about Jesus.

The kids will begin to meet on Thursday evenings, between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m., back at Meadowbrook.  There will be lots of fun, fellowship, and games, all while growing closer to God and each other!  Please see Anthony if you have any questions.

Sisters in Service Garage Sale 2021
When: Thurs/Fri/Sat August 19-21
Thursday and Friday 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 2pm
Where: Meadowbrook Christian Church

Acceptable Items:

• Clean and gently used household items
• Tools
• Jewelry
• Children’s books.

Not Acceptable:

• Clothing
• Large furniture, such as sofas and bookcases

Drop off dates for donated items:

• Sunday, August 15 – bring them with you when you come to worship!
• Wednesday, August 18 – 9am to 2pm, in the front foyer of the church. Individuals will be there to
  receive your donations.
• Any day of the sale, August 19-21.

Thank you for supporting the garage sale!

Please continue to lift our Mission Partners in prayer

Shown below are the current Missions that Meadowbrook supports:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Asia Christian Services
               • Gideons International
               • Great Lakes Christian College
               • His House Christian Fellowship
               • International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES)
               • Johnson University
               • Kerala Christian Mission
               • New Churches of Christ Evangelism
               • Ninos de Mexico
               • Voice of the Martyrs
               • Karamoja Bible Study Center – Uganda

In the Newsletter, each month, we will focus on one Mission.  This  month we are focusing on Asia Christian Services.  To find out more about this Mission please visit their website: https://www.asiachristianservices.com/

• Myanmar has undergone a military coup.
• Violence continues in Myanmar.  Please pray for the innocent caught in the middle of fighting.  Prayers are requested for Christians who are sharing physically and spiritually with those in need.  
• ACS is partnering with IDES in a great relief project to provide food, shelter, and medicines in four devastated areas of Myanmar.  
• The Good News is that within the turmoil, God is at work and many are believing in Jesus.  Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!”  John 16:33.  Be encouraged as you see what God is doing!  The believers are living as “overcomers”!

Looking for a way to serve at MCC?

• We need a few handy people to help get our playscape back in shape for the kids. Contact Dan Bright to lend a hand!
• Make cookies, brownies, bread (banana, zucchini, etc.) to support our “Fellowship in the Foyer” right after church.  See Joe or Mimi Romaella to help with this ministry!
• Volunteer at Youth Group!  Speak to Anthony Knotts to help out!
• Join Sisters in Service as they start up in the fall to serve our community!
• Join the Praise team or Sound Booth Crew — sing or play an instrument!
• Serve Jesus! All helping hands are welcome.  Please see one of our Elders or Deacons to get plugged in.  We are all members of Christ’s body. AMEN!

1Peter4:10:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Thank you to all the Mowing Teams!  Praise God for our beautiful, green grass this year!

Jeremiah Cox – August 4
Elaine Bright – August 14
Ron Murphy – August 30

Message from Anthony

Meadowbrook families host youth group activities

Our Youth Group met off-campus in June thanks to the gracious Meadowbrook families hosting the kids at their homes.  In July the kids will continue to meet on Thursday evenings between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. for fun activities and the promise of yummy food!  See Anthony if you have any questions.

July 1 – Anthony & Sophie Knotts home
July 8 – Wendy Kapusta home
July 15 – Matt & Brenda Cox home
July 22 – Anthony & Sophie Knotts home
July 29 – Tim & Carol Howell home

Sisters in Service is holding a garage sale

The Sisters in Service garage sale is scheduled for August 19-21, and will be held on the church grounds this year.  Money raised at the sale will allow us to shower blessings on people in our community.

We welcome all clean and gently used household items, tools and children’s books. Items not accepted: clothing and large furniture (such as couches and bookcases).

More details will be published in the August Messenger. Please see Cathy Podvin if you have questions.

Some recent updates to share with you.

First, we are welcoming Matt and Brenda Cox as the newest members of the Missions Ministry team at Meadowbrook! The team is now four strong, and we are still looking for another member (or two) to join us in praying for, and maintaining regular contact with each of our supported missions.

Secondly — based on the reduced amount of Faith Promise commitments for this year, the missions committee has made the following changes. We are discontinuing support of 3 missions, and adjusting the monthly amounts for the remaining missions. Our hope is that the reduced funds are a temporary situation.

These changes will enable Meadowbrook to continue providing regular monthly support to 11 mission organizations, and also provide approximately $100 toward our contingency fund each month. The contingency fund is used to provide assistance for special requests received from our missions. When additional Faith Promise commitments are made, we will again review our supported missions and make decisions to increase and/or add new missions for regular monthly support. For those of you who have made your Faith Promise commitment, thank you for your part in helping support ministry in many parts of Michigan, the U.S., and the world.

This month, we are sharing two recent updates from our newest mission, South Karamoja Bible Study Center. Duncan Ojiambo is the director of this mission. Their objective is to train up teachers and preachers in the South Karamoja region of Uganda, one of the poorest regions on earth. Meadowbrook began supporting this specific project in 2020.

Duncan’s most recent update indicates that the government in Uganda has placed the country on lockdown for 6 weeks, beginning June 7^th. Some of the lockdown resolutions are listed in the following excerpt from Duncan’s letter:

Dear family, 

 I hope you’re doing well. Here in Uganda we are back to Lockdown as Covid-19 second wave escalates. Our president addressed the nation on Sunday June 6th. And he enforced the Lockdown guidelines here below.

 LOCKDOWN……FOR 42 DAYS.
 *Resolutions as stated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni about Covid-19 as in today’s address!!!*

1. 1. All schools and institutions of learning should close for 42 days starting tomorrow(Monday) 8:00am.
   2. All teachers MUST be vaccinated before returning to school.
   3. Communal Rites and prayers in Churches, Stadiums and Mosques are suspended for 42 days starting tomorrow.(Preaching should stay on radios, TVs and social media.)
   4. Public gatherings and meetings apart from cabinet and legislature meeting. All the rest have been suspended for 42-days
   5. Travel from Category A countries (mostly India) remain suspended till further notice.

And we received the following prayer request from Duncan just last week:

Yesterday I got a call from some of our students in South Karamoja asking us to stand with them in prayers, the cattle raiding (insecurity) has started in the region. On Saturday last week, raisers (robbers and murderers) from Central and Northern Karamoja ambushed families in South Karamoja and raided cattle, demolished homes and left 2 people dead. Some of our students and church members lost their cattle and other properties. Please pray for security in this region, which has suffered many calamities and hostility for years.

 In Him, Duncan

 Please keep these situations and needs in prayer. Thank you for your faithful prayers and your generous giving.

Cindy Esterline – July 9
Eric Klaus – July 12
Tim Howell – July 16
Carol Howell – July 16
Dona Thomas – July 16
Hector Urteaga – July 18
Ken Small – July 19
Sandy Krugh – July 21
Mike & Sue Rose (Anniv.) – July 21
Mike Rose – July 22
Brenda Cox – July 22
Harry Thompson – July 24
Joyce Tingley – July 26
Eunice Salminen – July 27
Marian Murphy – July 28