Our Vision…

is to glorify and

honor our Lord

and God with our

lives, by bringing

people to Christ

and membership

in His family and

by helping to

develop Christ-

like maturity in

each member,

equipping them

for service in the

church and in the

world.

7722 North Allen Road Peoria, IL 61614

Phone: (309) 693-2426

Church of Christ Northwest Where Friends Learn

to Live Like Jesus

Email: cocnw@comcast.net

Website: www.cocnw.org

Fax: (309) 693-0266

Sunday 9:30 AM

Bible Study (all ages)

Sunday 10:30 AM

Worship Service

December 3, 2017

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible

Study 7:30 AM

@ Kennedy’s

Wednesday Morning

Galena Park Bible Study

10-11:30 AM David Spillman

Wednesday Evening:

Small Groups @ 6:30 PM

Campbell’s:

John

Haines’: I John

What is a Christian?

Kennedy’s:

The book of Job

Thursday Morning Ladies’ Bible Class

Finished for 2017

Special Ministry

Food Pantry

Next Date: Dec. 12, 2017

ESL CLASSES by appointment only!

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

A GOAL WITHOUT

A PLAN

IS JUST A WISH !

Page 2 Church of Christ Northwest

Worthy of God . . . by Joe Chesser

There seems to be an inner reluctance by many Christians to claim to be

worthy of God. To say, or even feel, worthy of God seems a bit boastful and arrogant. After all, no one is worthy of God because we are all sinners. So, how can we claim to be worthy of God? Jesus is worthy (Rev. 5.12), but not me! On the other hand, Jesus said of a few Christians in Sardis, “… for they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy” (Rev. 3.4). So, the question arises, “In what sense are Christians worthy of God or of Christ or of their calling … in what sense are we unworthy?” It is absolutely correct to say that no one is worthy of God if we mean our worthiness is based on our own merit and holiness. No one knows that better than God. Yet He repeatedly challenges us to walk (live) in a manner worthy of your calling (Eph. 4.1), worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1.27), worthy of the Lord (Col. 1.10), and worthy of God (1 Thess. 2.12). It’s clear that being “worthy” is something expected and blessed in the Christian life. Since it’s not based on merit, there arises a dilemma. So, what does Jesus mean by calling us “worthy”? John the Baptist instructed his disciples to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance (worthy of repentance – NRSV)” (Matt. 3.8, Luke 3.8). The idea is that the changed life is equal to the gravity and nature of the sins that need repentance. It is not that a changed life deserves the salvation that repentance leads to, but that repentance must be demonstrated by a changed life (2 Cor. 7. 8-11). We are living a life worthy of the Lord (Col. 1.10-11) when through faith, repentance and forgiveness by Jesus’ blood we align our life to the worthiness of Jesus. Our worthiness is preferring his worthiness above all things. And therein lies a key. When we become Christians, we become one with Christ. As a part of his body, his worthiness becomes our worthiness. We prove our loyalty to Jesus by valuing the things Jesus valued, and by living and loving the way Jesus did, even if no one else around us is doing so (Rev. 3.4). Because we choose that, Jesus chooses to view us as worthy. We are viewed as unworthy if we choose other things or ways above him (family, business, pleasure, time, money, etc. – Matt. 10.37-38; 22.8). Being “worthy” does not mean being perfect. It means preferring Jesus above all else. It means living in a way that demonstrates that preference, and bearing fruit in keeping with repentance when we fail to do so. Being “worthy” is an individual’s choice; it’s your choice. We all need to examine our priorities to see if we are worthy of God.

MISSION MILESTONES

2018 Nicaragua Mission Trip

We are planning for the 2018 Nicaragua Mission Trip. The trip will be

similar to last year's trip. The dates are May 31 - Jun 09. Please let Nate

Gardner know if you are interested in going.

************************************************************************ Kingdom Kids Sponsors Don't forget to write your sponsor child this month! Sending a letter is simple through the Kingdom Kids website where you can simply fill out a form and press send! http://www.misionparacristo.com/kingdom-kids You can even attach a picture to be sent to your child.

Topic for December: Christmas Season (Matthew 1:22,23; Luke 2:10-

12) Tell your sponsored child about ways that we honor the birth of Jesus

in our country. Ask about how Christmas is celebrated where he lives.

Tell about some of the traditions your family practices during the

Christmas season. If you have any questions about this process, please

contact Nate or Rachel Gardner

************************************************************************ Kingdom Kids Nicaragua Thanks to all of the sponsors here at Northwest that are serving children and their families in Nicaragua. Because of you these children and their families are receiving an education about Jesus, tutoring, information on health topics and screenings/medical attention as needed, as well as receiving basic necessities if needed. Because of your love these children, and many times their families, receive hope as they learn to place their faith in our Heavenly Father.

Current Sponsors at COCNW: Harold & Pat Brewer, Shelley & Michael Fritz, Susan & Mike Flowers, Ellery Gardner, Jeanne Gardner, Nate & Rachel Gardner, Meg & Rick Hipp, Jill & Rodney Humes, Betty & Rick Meyers, Rebecca & Tom Pritchard, Cheryl & Mike Quine, Brenda & Grant Wilkerson, Jake Wilkerson, Christian & Robert Windell. Everyone is invited to sponsor a child today at www.kingdomkidsnicaragua.com

"...if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then you light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isa. 58:10

MEN—SAVE THE DATE:

No Regrets Men’s Conference February 2-3, 2018

Stay tuned for further information!

LET US BE PREPARED

As part of our safety program at Northwest, we have purchased an AED. We also sponsored a CPR class last year. If you are certified to perform CPR or would like to learn CPR please let the office know. We would like to know who we can call on to help. —Allen Neese

LADIES’ PAINTING DAY

It’s a fun afternoon of fellowship and painting.

Where: Country Creations in Elmwood

When: Dec 9th 1-4 PM

Cost: $20

Sign up online at: https://www.everylittlethingandmore.com/product-page/copy-of-private-workshop-church-of-christ-northwest-december-9th

W.O.W. Christmas Luncheon/Party

Wow! It’s been quite awhile since this group gathered for fun! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8 at 11:30 AM for those in our congregation who are hopefully wiser and older, but are still kids at heart ;) to come to a party in the fellowship hall. You don't have to have previously gathered with W.O.W. Just come, eat and have fun! Everything will be provided. All that is required is your presence.

PLEASE let Jeanne Gardner know if you can attend.

Vol. 15, Issue 48 PRAYERS NEEDED EXTENDED PRAYER LISTING

Mike Ahten Member Serious Back Problems

Renetta Ballard Annie & Smitty’s daughter Lung Cancer

Natalie Balteau Member Type I Diabetes

Jerry & Deb Bane Members Lung Cancer/Memory

Rick Clark C. DeVore’s brother Liver/Colon Cancer

Shirley Darnell Former Member Serious Eye Problems

Scott Eisenbarth Kyle’s brother Liver & Lung Cancer

Pat Haines Member Lupus

Willie Howell Pat Jackson’s father Lung Cancer

Mary Lou Judkins Member Under hospice care

Jerry Lynn Mason, Jr. Pat Haines’ brother Stomach Tumor

Gene Muehring Member Sciatic Nerve

Lynn Molleck Friend of N. Goble Stage 4 Cancer

Lori Prichard T&R Prichard’s daughter Conversion disorder

Josh Retzer Grandson of B/C Sunkin Addiction

Ken Roberts K. Lovell’s father Alzheimer’s

Curt Sparks B. Juers’ brother Ankylosis spondylitis

Carol Sunkin Member Shoulder/Back

Trish Veytia Member Depression

Ray Walker A. Routh’s Bro-In-Law Lung Cancer

Hearts on Fire Calendar

12/3: LTC Practice (1-3 PM) Fondulac (3:30-6 PM) 12/9: Christmas Party (6-8 PM) 12/10: LTC Pratice (2-4 PM) Pantry Set-up (4:30-6 PM) 12/17: LTC Practice (2-3:30 PM) South Side (4-6 PM)

Dec 03 — Betty Meyers Dec 05 — Walt Koch

Dec 06 — Rebecca Prichard

Barb Doty (Joyce Grant’s cousin) in Proctor Hospital for blood clots. Lynn Bloompott (Rebecca Prichard’s friend) testing for Alzheimer’s. Pat Haines as she recovers from her stay in the hospital. Tom Burtrum (EP CoC member, age 94) in car accident resulting in a crushed pelvis; confined to bed in traction for 10 weeks to determine if bone is going to grow. Bob Judkins as he awaits a diagnosis. Shut-Ins: M. L. Judkins, Texie Ray, and Eleanor Richey. Our mother-to-be Kristina Routh.

Our military. Our nation as it struggles with many issues. Our president, judges & elected officials—wisdom to make Godly decisions. Our police as they struggle to do their job. Unsaved souls (you supply the names). Those who have left the fold and need a helping hand to find their way home. Our college students. Our enemies. Our VBS 2018! Those being persecuted for being Christians. Those who persecute others — may their hearts be changed! Our young!

Those Traveling during the holidays. Those dealing with the aftermath of the hurricanes (Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other Atlantic islands). Victims/Families of random acts of violence and terrorism. The families who lost loved ones, together with all those who were wounded in the Las Vegas massacre. Those dealing with the aftermath of the western U.S. fires.

Dear friends, We greatly appreciate the ink cartridges you collected for us this year! By recycling something that many people just throw away, we are able to use the money earned to help the children here at Shults-Lewis. It’s thanks to individuals and

congregations like you that we are able to collect so many cartridges and keep the ink cartridge program going strong. Thank you for everything you do! In Christian Love, Kiana Baldwin

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM DRESS REHEARSAL/PARTY

On December 16th from 10:30 AM — 1:30 PM all

children ages K thru 6th grade are to come to the

fellowship hall to rehearse the Christmas program

they have been preparing for the last several

weeks. Following the rehearsal there will be a

luncheon and Christmas party. Write it on your

calendars now !!

COFFEE, COCOA, COOKIES AND CAROLING

On Wednesday, December 13th at 6:20 P.M. we will take the van and travel to Independence Village on the corner of Northmoor Rd and University Street. Everyone, including children are most welcome to join in. Bring your jingle bells.

As we have done for several years, we will sing Christmas songs to the residents of Independence. Alan Moreland will lead us in our singing.

Following the caroling (ends at 7 P.M.) we will return to the fellowship hall to have some hot coffee and cocoa, along with delicious cookies!

Dec 08 Eric & Moneth Punzal

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Melody DenBraber and Caleb Henderson who were united in marriage on Saturday, December 2nd at the Church of Christ Northwest. May their lives be filled with God’s blessings.

Deacons

Lee DenBraber Tom Flanagan Nate Gardner

Terry Hargrove Rick Meyers

Alan Moreland

Treasurer

Douglas Staley

Elders

Dean Kennedy

Terry McWhirter Cell: 309-231-9362

Allen Neese

Minister David W. Spillman Cell: 309-219-2860

HOF Director Ryan Martin

Cell: 281-253-6794

Ministry Assistants

Meta Kennedy (MWF)

Betty Meyers (TT)

PH: 309-693-2426

Attendance Nov 26

Bible Study 58

10:30 Worship Service 119

EEM To Date $ 19,828

Bergner’s Booklets $ 2,458

Zambia Orphans’ Education $1,920/HS student (2) Needed for 2017 = $3,840.00

$ GOAL MET!!

Shults-Lewis Children’s Home Coins in the weekly contribution + $10 of each Dining Tour Book!!!

$ 5.34

Last Wk. Year-to-Date

2017 Budget $ 5,000 $ 240,000

Contribution $ 2,043 $ 189,823

Acknowledgement: Some clipart/photo images may have been taken from "Images (c) FaithClipart.com".

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

G

I

V

I

N

G

H

O

P

E

Dec 3rd — Ladies’ Cookie Exchange (after service) Dec 9th — Ladies—Country Creations in Elmwood (1-4 PM) Dec 10th — Luncheon for the We Are One group (after service) Dec 12th — Pantry (12:30-2 PM) Dec 13th — Caroling @ Independence Village (6:30 PM) Dec 16th — PiP & Kids Christmas Program Rehearsal (10:30-1:30) Dec 17th — Kids Christmas Program (10:30 AM) Dec 24th — Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (6 PM) Dec 25th — Christmas Day Dec 25th — Jan 1st — OFFICE CLOSED

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY CLASSES ORDER OF WORSHIP

Challenge: Pray daily for our entire church family (by name).

See something that needs to be fixed — leaky faucet, broken window, dirty air vent, etc.? Please report it to the office for BaGG (Building and Grounds Group) to place on their list.

Worship Leader: Terry McWhirter

Children Sing

Songs: Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down (pg. 153) Victory Chant (pg. 278)

We Are the Reason (pg. 245) Lamb of God (pg. 176)

Communion: Brian Foster Eric Punzal, Rick Hipp, Mark Pleasant, Jonathan Foster

Offering

DISMISSAL: Ages K-6th grade to fellowship hall for Christmas program practice

Song: O Holy Night! (pg. 1028)

Scripture Reading: Sam Fritz (I John 1:1-4)

Speaker: David W. Spillman CHRISTMAS MEANS...GRACE PUT

ON SKIN AND BECAME FLESH

Song: Without Him (pg. #544)

Hearts on Fire Announcements: Ryan Martin

Shepherd’s Time: Allen Neese

Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (pg. 1001)

Greeter: Marie McWhirter

Facilitator: Rick Meyers

Nursery Attendant: Racheal Balteau

Communion Preparation: the Muehrings

ADULTS—AUDITORIUM “Something Super Exciting” Aaron Campbell, Facilitator

ATTENTION FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Kids ages K-6th grades will meet downstairs after communion in preparation of this year’s Christmas program, to be held on Sunday, Dec. 17th. If you have questions see Jeanne Gardner.

Financial Peace University Classes Are Back!

Coming to Northwest on January 14th through March 11th will be Financial Peace University classes hosted by Northwest.

The classes will be held from 6:00—7:30 PM. Douglas Staley will be the Facilitator. Please see him with your questions. If he is not available, please see Dean Kennedy.

Stay tuned for additional information!

THINK DIFFERENTLY CHALLENGE!

Have you identified your “strongholds” — you know, those things you do or don’t do that keep you from changing into the Christian person God wants you to be! Think differently!!!