Join the Starting Point Class

9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Room 106

This class is the recommended first step for those who are new to Alma First Church of God. During this class, we will discuss the mission and purpose of Alma First Church of God, as well as the foundational teachings of the Church of God movement. We will explore what it means to follow Christ on a journey of renewal and service. We will also assist you in discovering what your God given gifts and talents are so that you are better equipped to discern how and where God is calling you to serve.

Ladies Movie Night and Hot Tub Party

All ladies who are interested are invited to a “Ladies movie night and hot tub party”, Saturday March 10th at 7:00 pm at the home of Kathy Smith. The entrance fee is your favorite quote. Questions ??? Please contact Kathy Smith, Dawn Brady-Wimmer or Sue Stack.

Meijer Community Rewards

Join Meijer Community Rewards. Shop at Meijer using your Meijer Credit Card, PIN-Debit Card or Cash and earn cash rewards for our Youth Ministry! All ready have a Meijer Credit Card? Call 1-800-962-7011 & provide our organizations code number 517851. Don’t have a Meijer Credit Card? Join on the internet to receive a Meijer 1 Card and key tags… provide the organization code and receive your key tags in the mail within 2 weeks. When your credit card or key tag is scanned at the register, a percent-age of the purchases are rewarded to our organization automatically. Call the church office for more information.

Honduras Mission

The Honduran mission group “Beans For Basics” will be heading down on March 31st for another week’s worth of construction. We would like to take gently used or new tools with us as well as laptop computers for the students. If you can contribute in any fashion we would be deeply grateful. Please call Don Cheyne at 989-289-8316 or email him at dcheyne1@hotmail.com if you have any questions or need any items picked up. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue Gods work in Honduras!

Church Directory Now Available Online

Need to contact someone you know from church? The new church directory is now online but you will need to contact the church office for the login and password information.

Starting Point

Twelve weeks beginning March 4
9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Room 106

This class is the recommended first step for those who are new to Alma First Church of God. During this twelve-week class, we will discuss the mission and purpose of Alma First Church of God, as well as the foundational teachings of the Church of God movement. We will explore what it means to follow Christ on a journey of renewal and service. We will also assist you in discovering what your God given gifts and talents are so that you are better equipped to discern how and where God is calling you to serve.

Believers Baptism

Those who wish to follow Christ in baptism will have an opportunity to do so on Easter Sunday, April 8th. Our congregation practices what we call “believers baptism”—a baptism by immersion of persons who have believed in Jesus Christ and who wish to testify to the church and to the world that they are following him. If you wish to be baptized; you are required to participate in one of these baptism classes:  either Thursday, March 22nd at 7:00 pm or Saturday, March 24th @ 10:00 am. If you plan to be baptized, or if you have questions, please call the church office or sign up at the Welcome Center.

Honduras Mission

The Honduran mission group “Beans For Basics” will be heading down on March 31st for another week’s worth of construction. We would like to take gently used or new tools with us as well as laptop computers for the students. If you can contribute in any fashion we would be deeply grateful. Please call Don Cheyne at 989-289-8316 or email him at dcheyne1@hotmail.com if you have any questions or need any items picked up. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue Gods work in Honduras!

Free From… Free To…
Now through April 1

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” When St. Paul penned these words to the church in Galatia, the church was on the precipice of falling backward into the slaveries that had held them in bondage prior to their Christian experience. Still today, we fall pray to attitudes, mindsets and habits (among other things) that hold us and others in bondage. During this six-week sermon series from Galatians called “Free From… Free To…” we will explore why St. Paul was convinced that freedom is at the heart and soul of the Christian life, what we are free from, and what freedom compels us to…

Download “Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting” right here!

View the upcoming sermon series details now.

Worship Ministry Focus Groups

As we continue to seek ways to strengthen our worship ministry, you are encouraged to sign up for one of the focus groups that will discuss the recently completed surveys. You may choose from one of the following times:

• Thursday March 1st 7:00- 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday March 3rd 9:00- 10:30 a.m.
• Sunday March 4th 5:30- 7:00 p.m.

All will be held in Room 108. Please join us. We need to hear your thoughts.

Sincerely, The Worship Planning Team

Feast of Life Cook Books Available for purchase at His Place
2 for $32 or $18 each

Money raised goes to the parking lot fund. Here is a terrific sampling of a healthy recipe idea from the book submitted by Teri Loney:

Salsa Chicken in a Slow Cooker

1/2 c. Paul Newman salsa – medium
1 (15-oz.) can black beans – rinsed and drained
1 (11-oz.) can corn – drained or frozen
8-10 boneless chicken thighs
2 T. cilantro
flour tortillas optional

Use a large crock pot. Sprinkle chicken with salt. Heat 1 T. olive oil in skillet on medium heat. Cook chicken, turning once until browned. (About 3-4 minutes.) Mix salsa, beans and corn in crock pot. Top with chicken, cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. When done, sprinkle with cilantro before serving. (Optional: wrap in tortillas and add salsa.) Serves 6.

Journey to the Cross Prayer Experience

“Ash Wednesday,” February 22
Come and go in the sanctuary between 7:00 and 8:30 pm.

The worship season known as “Lent” begins on Wednesday, February 22. (For more about “Lent,” click here to see Pastor Steve’s blog.) Please join us for this prayer experience called “Journey to the Cross,” where you will be guided through meditations and prayers that will help you enter thoughtfully into this meaningful season of worship and service. All are welcome! We will meet in the sanctuary between 7:00 and 8:30 pm.

Welcome to First Church of God Luncheon

Are you new to our congregation? If so, we would like to invite you to join us for the Welcome to First Church of God Luncheon. Our pastors and ministry leaders would love to have the opportunity to meet you! We would also like to share with you information about our church, including our mission, our staff, our ministries, and the way in which our congregation provides care to one another. The Welcome Luncheon is Sunday, February 26th, following the second worship service (starting at about 12:15) at His Place. Please RSVP to the church office (email, firstcog@gmail.com or phone, 989-463-3730) by Thursday, February 23rd.

Free From… Free To… 
February 26 through April 1

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” When St. Paul penned these words to the church in Galatia, the church was on the precipice of falling backward into the slaveries that had held them in bondage prior to their Christian experience. Still today, we fall pray to attitudes, mindsets and habits (among other things) that hold us and others in bondage. During this six-week sermon series from Galatians called “Free From… Free To…” we will explore why St. Paul was convinced that freedom is at the heart and soul of the Christian life, what we are free from, and what freedom compels us to…

Download “Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting” right here!

View the upcoming sermon series details now. 

Recommended First Step for New People

Starting Point… Discovering Your Place
Twelve weeks beginning March 4
9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Room 106

This class is the recommended first step for those who are new to Alma First Church of God. During this twelve-week class, we will discuss the mission and purpose of Alma First Church of God, as well as the foundational teachings of the Church of God movement. We will explore what it means to follow Christ on a journey of renewal and service. We will also assist you in discovering what your God given gifts and talents are so that you are better equipped to discern how and where God is calling you to serve.

Sponsor a Student going to International Youth Convention with Stock Options

We are looking for families to partner with, pray for, and sponsor eight students attending IYC 2012 and Lead 222 Mission experience this summer in Denver, CO. During the next few weeks on the bulletin board next to the Welcome Center you will find a “Stock Options” sign-up. You can personally invest in and sponsor a specific student this summer by purchasing one or more shares in their name ($25/share). All of our sponsors will then be matched up with their student(s) to pray for them prior to and during the IYC experience. All students will write to their sponsors during the trip. Sponsors will receive an invitation to attend a “Shareholder’s Appreciation Banquet,” where students will “share” their testimonies. May you be blessed as you “invest” in our students!

To Worship Ministry Team Members

Last spring many of you completed a survey about the worship team. In a continuing process to growing and improving our ministry we want follow up this survey with some focus groups. This is an opportunity to get a review of the results of the survey and to more fully explore some of the primary results. You are encouraged to participate in a focus group whether or not you completed a survey. We have chosen three time slots for the groups. Each one is limited to ten participants. You need to sign up for one of the spots in one of the groups. If all the spots in all three groups fill we will open a fourth time for a group. Please stop by or call the office to sign up. The groups are scheduled for:

• Thursday March 1st 7:00- 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday March 3rd 9:00- 10:30 a.m.
• Sunday March 4th 5:30- 7:00 p.m.

All will be held in Room 108. Please join us. We need to hear your thoughts.

Sincerely, The Worship Planning Team

The latest blog from Pastor Steve

Why I Would Rather Leave the Pastorate Than Stop Observing Lent

Journey to the Cross Prayer Experience

“Ash Wednesday,” February 22
Come and go in the sanctuary between 7:00 and 8:30 pm.

The worship season known as “Lent” begins on Wednesday, February 22. (For more about “Lent,” click here to see Pastor Steve’s blog.) Please join us for this prayer experience called “Journey to the Cross,” where you will be guided through meditations and prayers that will help you enter thoughtfully into this meaningful season of worship and service. All are welcome! We will meet in the sanctuary between 7:00 and 8:30 pm.

Welcome to First Church of God Luncheon

Are you new to our congregation? If so, we would like to invite you to join us for the Welcome to First Church of God Luncheon. Our pastors and ministry leaders would love to have the opportunity to meet you! We would also like to share with you information about our church, including our mission, our staff, our ministries, and the way in which our congregation provides care to one another. The Welcome Luncheon is Sunday, February 26th, following the second worship service (starting at about 12:15) at His Place. Please RSVP to the church office (email, firstcog@gmail.com or phone, 989-463-3730) by Thursday, February 23rd.

Recommended First Step for New People

Starting Point… Discovering Your Place
Twelve weeks beginning March 4
9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Room 106

This class is the recommended first step for those who are new to Alma First Church of God. During this twelve-week class, we will discuss the mission and purpose of Alma First Church of God, as well as the foundational teachings of the Church of God movement. We will explore what it means to follow Christ on a journey of renewal and service. We will also assist you in discovering what your God given gifts and talents are so that you are better equipped to discern how and where God is calling you to serve.

Sponsor a Student going to International Youth Convention with Stock Options

We are looking for families to partner with, pray for, and sponsor eight students attending IYC 2012 and Lead 222 Mission experience this summer in Denver, CO. During the next few weeks on the bulletin board next to the Welcome Center you will find a “Stock Options” sign-up. You can personally invest in and sponsor a specific student this summer by purchasing one or more shares in their name ($25/share). All of our sponsors will then be matched up with their student(s) to pray for them prior to and during the IYC experience. All students will write to their sponsors during the trip. Sp

onsors will receive an invitation to attend a “Shareholder’s Appreciation Banquet,” where students will “share” their testimonies. May you be blessed as you “invest” in our students!

Walk for Warmth

Next Saturday, February 25th from 8am to 12pm, EightCAP, Inc. will hold their 7th Annual Walk for Warmth event at His Place. Should you wish to represent Alma First Church of God in the soup/chili cook off; you are welcome to provide your dish the day of the event (lunch/voting will begin at noon). Pick up your pledge form from the Welcome Center. All funds raised will be used to assist disadvantaged people with energy and utility bills this winter.

To Worship Ministry Team Members

Last spring many of you completed a survey about the worship team. In a continuing process to growing and improving our ministry we want follow up this survey with some focus groups. This is an opportunity to get a review of the results of the survey and to more fully explore some of the primary results. You are encouraged to participate in a focus group whether or not you completed a survey. We have chosen three time slots for the groups. Each one is limited to ten participants. You need to sign up for one of the spots in one of the groups. If all the spots in all three groups fill we will open a fourth time for a group. Please stop by or call the office to sign up. The groups are scheduled for:

• Thursday March 1st 7:00- 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday March 3rd 9:00- 10:30 a.m.
• Sunday March 4th 5:30- 7:00 p.m.

All will be held in Room 108. Please join us. We need to hear your thoughts.

Sincerely, The Worship Planning Team

Honduras Baked Potato Luncheon February 12

The Spring Honduras Mission team will be sponsoring a baked potato lunch on Sunday, February 12th after the second worship service. Come and enjoy good food and fellowship while supporting our work in Honduras. The suggested donation is $5 per person or $20 per family. A kid’s meal is also available for the suggested donation of $2.50.

All Church Fellowship and Shopping

Dan and Eileen Palmer invite all who are interested in going on a shopping trip to Pride and Country Village in Saginaw on Saturday, February 18th. Pride & Country has over 40,000 square feet of shopping pleasure and is Michigan’s largest village of country Shoppe’s. For more information on what they have to offer visit prideandcountry.com. A sign up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Sign up by Friday, February 10th or contact Dan or Eileen Palmer.

Sponsor a Student going to International Youth Convention with Stock Options

We are looking for families to partner with, pray for, and sponsor eight students attending IYC 2012 and Lead 222 Mission experience this summer in Denver, CO. During the next few weeks on the bulletin board next to the Welcome Center you will find a “Stock Options” sign-up. You can personally invest in and sponsor a specific student this summer by purchasing one or more shares in their name ($25/share). All of our sponsors will then be matched up with their student(s) to pray for them prior to and during the IYC experience. All students will write to their sponsors during the trip. Sponsors will receive an invitation to attend a “Shareholder’s Appreciation Banquet,” where students will “share” their testimonies. May you be blessed as you “invest” in our students!

February 5, 2012: A Taste of ChristCare

Our newest ChristCare small group leaders are: Tom Farrar, Delphine Kehrberg, David Martin, Kris Kemler, Mark Mallia and Millie Reeves. Under their leadership, new small groups will form and meet regularly.

Interested in joining a ChristCare small group? Please join us next Sunday, February 5th after the second worship service in the church fellowship hall to meet the new leaders and learn what this small group ministry is all about! Lunch will be provided.

For the Youth

THIS Friday, February 3rd
from 9pm – 11pm

5th Quarter at The Filling Station! After the Alma basketball game. Free food, hang-out, bring a friend!

Sunday, February 5th High School Super Bowl Party at Youth for Christ, 5:30pm

Sorry Jr. High … no youth February 5th.

Class for Newcomers: “Our DNA”

Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 – 5:30pm

Anyone new to our congregation is invited to attend “Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers.” During this session, we’ll discuss what makes us unique as a church, our particular mission and purpose. We’ll also talk about the message First Church of God exists to share, how newcomers can get involved, what the church expects of its members and much more. We will enjoy a complimentary meal together during the last hour of the class. If you’ve been wondering how to get involved at First Church of God, or what makes this church tick, this is the place to begin. ‘Our DNA…’ will meet in the west room. A sign up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Please RSVP to the church office (463-3730, or firstcog@gmail.com) by today, Wednesday, January 25th.

Volunteers Needed

BRINGING SNACKS IS A MINISTRY??? YEP!

Without the faithful support of our great church family, youth on Sunday nights just wouldn’t be the same. One very simple, but meaningful way we like to connect families with students each year is through bringing snacks. This is where we need your help! Whether you’re a parent or just love students, please prayerfully consider bringing snacks for one (or two) Sunday nights this school year. If enough families get involved, we could fulfill this ministry for the remainder of the year! We average between 45-50 kids each weekend.

Thank you so much for taking time to consider this ministry. Please complete this form or call or e-mail Ginger Greenwood (contact the church office for her information… 463-3730).

Reminder for Senior High Youth

All Sr. High retreat deposits DUE this Sunday, Januray 29th. $30 deposit must be turned in to reserve your spot.

Join us this Sunday, January 22: Pastor Ben Kreider will give the sermon “Hiding God’s Word” 

8:30 am Worship Celebration
9:45 am Christian Education 
(Click here for Adult Classes. Click here for Childcare and Sunday School info.)
11:00 am Worship Celebration (including Children’s Church)

Class for Newcomers: “Our DNA” Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 – 5:30pm Anyone new to our congregation is invited to attend “Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers.” During this session, we’ll discuss what makes us unique as a church, our particular mission and purpose. We’ll also talk about the message First Church of God exists to share, how newcomers can get involved, what the church expects of its members and much more. We will enjoy a complimentary meal together during the last hour of the class. If you’ve been wondering how to get involved at First Church of God, or what makes this church tick, this is the place to begin. ‘Our DNA…’ will meet in the west room. A sign up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Please RSVP to the church office (463-3730, or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 25th.

New ChristCare Groups Are Coming! Soon our newest ChristCare Small Group Leaders will complete their training and will begin forming new small groups which will begin meeting regularly. Watch for continuing updates in our Sunday bulletins, our Facebook page and the ePrompter weekly newsletter.

Volunteers Needed

BRINGING SNACKS IS A MINISTRY???  YEP!

 Without the faithful support of our great church family, youth on Sunday nights just wouldn’t be the same.  One very simple, but meaningful way we like to connect families with students each year is through bringing snacks.  This is where we need your help!  Whether you’re a parent or just love students, please prayerfully consider bringing snacks for one (or two) Sunday nights this school year.  If enough families get involved, we could fulfill this ministry for the remainder of the year!  We average between 45-50 kids each weekend.

 Thank you so much for taking time to consider this ministry. Please complete this form or  call or e-mail Ginger Greenwood (contact the church office for her information… 463-3730).

Do you need your snow shoveled?

Students are available to shovel your drive, sidewalk, patio – whatever you need shoveled as they are raising funds to attend the International Youth Convention this summer. Please complete this request form.

Healing … God’s Forgotten Gift:
An Informational Brunch
Saturday, January 21st at His Place

Oils for healing, cleansing, and holy anointing are mentioned more than 500 times in Scripture. Modern Science finds these oils to be as effective as antibiotics and to promote overall health, vitality and longevity. Come learn, experience, and enjoy these holy healing oils. Limited to the first 30 guests – filling fast, RSVP today!

10:30am Brunch, 11:00am – 12:00pm Presentation

Please invite a guest. RSVP by January 19 to Diane Laffoon by Phone: 466-5209 or Email: dilaff@charter.net or on Facebook just click here.

Class for Newcomers: “Our DNA” Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 – 5:30pm Anyone new to our congregation is invited to attend “Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers.” During this session, we’ll discuss what makes us unique as a church, our particular mission and purpose. We’ll also talk about the message First Church of God exists to share, how newcomers can get involved, what the church expects of its members and much more. We will enjoy a complimentary meal together during the last hour of the class. If you’ve been wondering how to get involved at First Church of God, or what makes this church tick, this is the place to begin. ‘Our DNA…’ will meet in the west room. A sign up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Please RSVP to the church office (463-3730, or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 25th.

New ChristCare Groups Are Coming! Soon our newest ChristCare Small Group Leaders will complete their training and will begin forming new small groups which will begin meeting regularly. Watch for continuing updates in our Sunday bulletins, our Facebook page and the ePrompter weekly newsletter.

Tithing Envelopes

2011 giving reports and 2012 tithing envelops are available in the hallway near the Welcome Center. The use of tithing envelopes enables our treasurer to make an accurate recording of your giving for year end tax purposes. If you desire to receive envelopes, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Online giving is also available on our church website here.

Church Directory

If you’ve recently changed an address, phone number(s) or had additions you your family or you simply wish to be included in the church directory, please complete this form [click here] by Wednesday, January 18th. The form is also available at the Church Welcome Center. Thank you.

Adult Christian Education

Our adult classes are great places to develop new friendships and grow together in Christian faith. We have three adult classes, all of which meet at 9:45am each Sunday in His Place.

• Middle Ground
  Middle Ground meets in the conference room at His Place. The Middle Ground class will start a series “Developing a Faith that Works,” a study of the book of James taught by Rick Warren. It will be led by Glen Armstrong and Garrett Whitmore. 
   
• The Seekers
  The Seekers class meets in the game room at His Place. This class has a wide variety of topics planned this year. The Seekers class will watch a Max Lucado video series in January and February entitled “Finding Peace in a Troubled World” and led by Paul Loney. In March and April the class will study “2012 and End Times” led by Pastor Steve Wimmer. In May and June, they will be exploring Art and the Bible, using classic writings of well known theologian and philosopher Francis Schaeffer and others led by Michelle Lucchesi.
   
• Gaining Ground
  Gaining Ground meets in the gymnasium at His Place. The Gaining Ground class will watch a new video series by Max Lucado called “Max on Life.” It will deal with some of the difficult issues of living: Why did this happen? Can you help me understand? Where can I turn? Is there any hope? This eight-week series will be moderated by Tim Sipka.  

Christ’s Birthday Offering

We praise God for his generosity, which has inspired and empowered our congregation to give $7768.70 to Christ’s Birthday Offering. This offering will be evenly distributed between Living Water International, Gratiot Emergency Housing, and Church of God Ministries. Once again, the men, women and children of this church are joining their lives to God’s love for the world!

Adult Christian Education

New classes begin January 8. All adults are encouraged to attend one of these fine classes. The fellowship is great, and so is the teaching. Please check out these details:

• Middle Ground
  Middle Ground meets in the conference room at His Place. The Middle Ground class will start a series “Developing a Faith that Works,” a study of the book of James taught by Rick Warren. It will be led by Glen Armstrong and Garrett Whitmore.

• The Seekers
  The Seekers class meets in the game room at His Place and is taught by Maurie Luetkemeier. This class has a wide variety of topics planned this year. The Seekers class will watch a Max Lucado video series in January and February entitled “Finding Peace in a Troubled World.” In March and April the class will study “2012 and End Times.” In May and June, they will be exploring Art and the Bible, using classic writings of well known theologian and philosopher Francis Schaeffer and others.

• Gaining Ground
  Gaining Ground meets in the gymnasium at His Place. The Gaining Ground class will watch a new video series by Max Lucado called “Max on Life.” It will deal with some of the difficult issues of living: Why did this happen? Can you help me understand? Where can I turn? Is there any hope? This eight-week series will be moderated by Tim Sipka

Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 – 5:30pm Pastor Steve would like to invite everyone new to our congregation to attend “Our DNA, A Class for Newcomers.” During this session, we’ll discuss what makes us unique as a church, our particular mission and purpose. We’ll also talk about the message First Church of God exists to share, how newcomers can get involved, what the church expects of its members and much more. We will enjoy a complimentary meal together during the last hour of the class. If you’ve been wondering how to get involved at First Church of God, or what makes this church tick, this is the place to begin. ‘Our DNA…’ will meet in the west room. A sign up sheet is available at the Welcome Center. Please RSVP to the church office (463-3730, or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 25th.

Stephen Ministry Would you like to be part of the Stephen Minister Training Class? We will train a new class of Stephen Ministers this month. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow in faith, develop stronger relational skills, and bring Christ’s love into the lives of hurting people. If you are interested in being part of this class, pick up a copy of the Stephen Minister Application from the Welcome Center. Complete it and return it to Richard Hon. We will then schedule a time when you can meet with a couple of our Stephen Leaders to learn more about the training and so we can learn more about you. If you have any questions, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: Ron Woolsey, Richard Hon, Jennifer Leppien. Act now. Time is running out!

His Place Activities Resume January 9th

ALL His Place Activities will resume the week of the January 9th. This includes His Kids and I.M.P.A.C.T. Fitness Classes. Church League Basketball also begins the evening of the January 9th.

Recognition of Michigan Student Leadership Institute Students

This Sunday during announcements we will be recognizing students who have completed one or more weekends of leadership training through Michigan Student Leadership Institute (1 weekend each year for 3 years). The names of students completing parts 1 or 2 are:

• Melissa Rivera
• Tori Humphrey
• Sami Humphrey
• Caleb Bieske
• Garrett Humphrey

Those graduating from the program are:

• Keeley Schnepp
• Amber Bieske
• Taylor Fenby