Sunday, April 22, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Easter

A Peek At The Sunday Sermon

Putting First Things First!
Haggai 1:1-9

Last week, I preached a sermon on God’s Love. I think we all like to hear positive,
uplifting messages that speak of God’s love, grace, and His blessings. We want
to hear how God favors us and deals nicely with us.
There are, however, other truths we must listen to as we serve The Lord.
Sermons that cannot be sugar-coated. They are challenging; asking us to
reassess our priorities and make adjustments.
Such is a sermon preached by Haggai. And if you are wondering how such
ancient a book can be relevant to the Church and the needs of the individual – I
think you’ll be surprised.! God can use the truths of Haggai - in blessing
Dearborn Congregational!
If you aren’t afraid of a challenge – I have a message prepared for Sunday, April
22nd, at 10:00 a.m.! It’s titled “Putting First Things First.” If you read Haggai 1:1-
9 - you’ll be ready for Morning Worship.
 The liturgical color for Easter and for the next six Sunday’s
until Pentecost Sunday, is celebratory white. White
symbolizing purity, holiness, and virtue, as well as respect
and reverence. Our God is a Holy and Awesome God!

The Sunday Sermon is on

YouTube!
Just click here or on the YouTube
image and you’ll be taken to last
Sunday’s sermon.

Our suggested Scripture reading for April 22, 2018, from the 2018 UCC
Church Calendar:
Psalm 23 (NLT)
A Psalm of David
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me
rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength. He guides me along right
paths, bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk through
the darkest valley, I will not
be afraid, for you are close
beside me. Your rod and
your staff protect and comfort
me. 5 You prepare a feast for
me in the presence of my
enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows
with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will
pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of
the LORD forever.

Council Meeting – April 24, 2018

All members are invited to attend our quarterly
church Council meeting next Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm. The head
of each Board and Committee should plan to attend or arrange for
a representative to appear in their place and give a brief oral report
of recent activities. Several concerns/issues will be addressed at
the meeting including a new idea for member giving and a proposal
for a memorial garden. So mark the date on your
calendars. We hope to see you then!

The Lennon Pregnancy Center Fundraiser

Would you prayerfully consider a donation to help keep this vital
ministry operating in our part of Michigan?
Below is an invitation to their annual Banquet – April 27, 2018. The
last day for purchasing tickets is April 24th. Unable to attend? You
can donate to the LPC by visiting their website: lennoncenter.org.
 Prayer Requests
Marilyn Beardsley - Continuing medical concerns.
Pat Stacho - Continuing medical concerns.
Phyllis Preston - Medical concerns.
Pauline Gourlay - Medical concerns.
Barb and David Allen - Medical concerns.
Grant MacKenzie - Continuing medical concerns.
Gail Waggoner - Health issues.
Jane Haling - Health issues.
Elie Stergiou - Medical Concerns.
Jim Shippee - Medical Concerns.
Della King Family - Medical Concerns.
Pastor Bill Kren - Health issues.
Dr. Geoff Drutchas - Health issues.
The Lennon Pregnancy Center - Budget concerns.

Since arriving at Dearborn Congregational.

I’ve been “blogging” about church work and
my life in the ministry. You can learn more
about the Pastor and how he thinks, by
clicking on the link (picture) to the left.

We are now collecting non-perishable

food items – helping needy veterans and
their families! A “Totes of Love” collection
bin is located in the Sanctuary.

If you haven’t – why not “Like Us” on Facebook? Just click

on the sign to the left – you will be transported to the
Dearborn Congregational Facebook Page! Maybe you
like to tweet? You can follow Pastor Kren on Twitter:
@william_kren.
 Good News For Bargain Hunters!

Our sister church, St. Paul UCC, in Taylor, is holding their annual
Spring Rummage Sale on May 3 – 5, 2018. Let’s give them our support!
Here is information we received.

The St. Paul Spring Rummage Sale is coming fast. The sale begins
Thursday, May 3rd and continues through Saturday, May 5th. Set-up begins
Wednesday, April 25th, and continues through Wednesday, May 2nd. Post-
sale clean-up takes places on Saturday, May 5th, 10-12 noon and again on
Tuesday, May 8th 9 - 10 am.
All items not sold are bagged or boxed for pick-up by one of the local non-
profit resale shops in our Downriver area.

Volunteer help is needed to host this all-congregation event which supports

the larger mission and ministry of our church. You can volunteer by calling
the church office (313) 291-1221 or by contacting Toni Hill or Dan Case.

Your donations of clothing and household goods are welcomed and very
much needed to ensure the sale's success. All items donated should be
clean and in a good state of repair. Items can be dropped off through the
east entrance during church office hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or at other times
by arrangement. Just ring the bell and someone will let you in to put your
items on the tables in the back of fellowship hall.

I’m looking forward to spending time with you on Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Bill