The children of Lakewood shared the Christmas message at the first service this Sunday. What a wonderful blessing to watch each child and their smiles of joy. Thank you to all involved in making this a special time! Even Charlie M. did his part by being up front......may God bless all of our children as they grow in His love.
Operation Christmas Child is in full swing as the King's Club packed shoeboxes Sunday night for this project. It was an exciting place here at Lakewood as 53 boxes were packed and made ready to ship around the world. After packing each box a time of sharing and prayer was held to bless these gifts. May God use our simple gifts to bring great joy to Him!
This week was the last session for the Fall Centershot Ministry. Thirteen students (one was unable to complete the course because of injury) completed the class successfuly. What a blessing as each one studied God's Word and learned the skills of archery. A recognition for these students will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the 9:30 a.m. service.
The Ron Wierenga Cookie Walk will be held at Lakewood on Saturday, Nov. 17. This is a fund raiser for the Mission Committee and is a great time of sharing and reaching out. A group gathered this week to bake cookies and the church smelled wonderful! Mark the date on your calendar and be a part of this great time.
Ice Cream Fudge Bars at King's Club!!! That's a sure way to end the night on a good note! This week will be the last regular King's Club meeting for the year. We will be packing boxes for Operation Shoebox. This is a highlight for the children each year as we reach around the world with God's love.
The Junior High and Senior High Youth are looking to God's Word to direct them in some current topics. This past week "Dating" was the lesson and discovering how to date in a Christ-like manner. The world is a difficult place so lets keep our youth in prayer as they learn God's ways!
Our Annual Church Conference was held recently with our District Superintendant Rev. Hundley. The Conference began with a messag by Rev. Hundley on the Connectional System of the United Methodist Church. Setting the Pastor's salary for the coming year and election of church officers was the official business. A time of questions and discussion followed. Continue to pray for Lakewood as we move into the future and seek God's guidance and direction.
It is always a JOY when there is a baby baptized at Lakewood! On Sunday, Nov. 4, Caleb C. was baptized into the Christian faith. His parents, Kendra and Chad C., and sister Kiersten were very proud as they brought their family before the Lord. Praise the Lord for young families as they put Christ at the center of their lives.
It was an exciting time here at Lakewood as we shared in the Annual Fall Carnival. Games, prizes, food and lots of fun all filled the afternoon. There were almost 60 children in attendance as the youth presented games and contests. Grilled hot dogs, chips and ice cream hit the spot with the crowd as limbo, the hokey pokey and the chicken dance were enjoyed by many. If successes are measured by smiles than this was a super success...praise the Lord!
Welcome Drake S. as he joins the Praise Team......he really didn't want his picture taken and it isn't the best.....but thought we better welcome him anyway! Drake helped out on drums this week but will also be sharing vocals and guitar. May God continue to be praised through music, word and action! Pray for Drake and all the Praise Team as they minister each week.
Lakewood was a busy place on Sunday morning! The Mission Committee hosted a special emphasis on the many mission programs of our church. Manna's Market and Sunnycrest Youth Ranch were featured during the service. Speakers representing both missions shared and wonderful displays were part of the presentation. Thank you to all involved and keep our outreach and missions in prayer as we work together to spread the love of Jesus!
The Keenagers enjoyed a day out as part of a Mystery Trip Adventure! The group headed first to Lansing and spent the morning touring Central United Methodist Church right next to the State Capitol. What a wonderful church and the group was treated to both an organ special and music on the carillons. Lunch was down Michigan Ave. at the Soup Spoon Cafe....mmmm good! Then on north to Uncle John's Cider Mill......what a day! Thanks to all who participated and made this a fun day of fellowship!
Sunday nights at Lakewood are always fun and exciting! Lots of smiles and lots of sharing the love of Jesus. From the youngest to the oldest there are opportunities for all ages. King's Club, Junior High Youth, Senior High Youth, Adult groups and classes all are a part of the action. Come on out this Sunday and discover where God has a place for you here at Lakewood!
HERE'S A LONG ONE THIS WEEK.....BUT A GOOD ONE!! THIS IS GOOD STUFF!
"See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today. Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Deuteronomy 4:5-9
Let's be in prayer to God for our nation that He may be exalted!
God has blessed us with Christian friends who walk with us throughout life. It's always wonderful to see college students who are home for the week-end as they connect with their friends from home. This Sunday morning witnessed several home as they came to worship at Lakewood. Brooke A., Ashley D., Hannah G. and Cody D. were able to spend a few minutes just smiling and laughing......what a better way to start the week than with friends in Jesus!
The fall session of the Centershot Archery Course is underway! Sixteen young people (two are missing from the photo) are enrolled learning the skills of archery and the Word of God. Each one is eager to explore this adventure and is dedicated to the goals it presents. The group includes both beginners and advanced students. Keep this group in prayer as they study and work for the Lord!
They aren't sleeping! It's prayer time and at Lakewood we recognize the importance of coming together as One in prayer to God. What a privilege to be able to lift one another and our needs. May God be praised as we learn to pray as the Body of Christ.
This church is a big place and there are a LOT of walls! The trustees continue to work on sealing the brick around the exterior of the building. Their efforts are greatly appreciated as we maintain God's House! You can't keep up with Ron E........he is all over that ladder!!
Both the Senior High and the Junior High Youth Groups were off to a fun night as they had some wacky games planned by Kendra C. They involved toilet paper, vaseline and cotton balls.....sounds like fun doesn't it??? The fun led to focus as the youth continued their study of the Armor of God. May God teach our youth as they follow His leading this week.
"Taste and See that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8 There were so many good things to taste at the Call to Community event......and they were good! God's goodness is even greater....may you taste of it this week!
A nice group was assembled this Sunday as we worshipped together at Green Acres in Ionia. The message for the afternoon was based on Psalm 1 using the comparison of our lives to the tree and its leaves. Many lingered for fellowship following the service with a good cup of coffee. Jack T. and Ron E. were part of the crowd.......what a blessing to share God's love with others.
Smiles do something special in all of our hearts.....and when a child smiles-it brings everyone joy! Lizzy O., Amelia B. and Annabelle S. were ready for BLAST OFF as the showed off their smiles. Below Andrew and Gideon S. were munching on pretzels and loving every minute. Can it get any better?!!!!
Almost 40 gathered together this past week to "Kick Off" a small group project here at Lakewood. The night was a time of sharing and enthusiasm as "connecting" as One in Christ was emphasized. Three new small groups were formed in addition to at least four already established groups. Continue to pray that God will show us how to be One in Him!
There has been a lot of work going on around Lakewood! The trustees are leading the way as they have power washed the building in preparation for a brick sealer. Some painting and other odd jobs are getting us ready for fall and winter. Thank you to all who have helped in any way......Ron E. spent several days power washing.......this is a big building!!!
The Outreach Team of Lakewood Church hosted a dinner in honor of our Senior Citizens this past Sunday. It was awesome as almost 50 seniors gathered together for lunch and a time of devotion. Jim S. was in attendance which was a special treat! What a blessing it is to have so many elders in our congregation. May God bless each one!
Sunday, September 9, was the KICK OFF day for a new year of youth programs. The Junior High group is now called the "Lakewood Squires" and the Senior High group is called "Full Metal Youth." Jake will lead both groups as they learn about God and His love. Pray for our youth as they grow in His Grace!
