Special Congregational Meeting   Session has called a special congregational meeting after worship on Sunday, May 8 to vote on calling the Rev. Karen Fitz La Barge to be North Kent Presbyterian Church’s Designated Pastor; to vote on the Terms of Call for her, and to vote on the possible dismissal of the Pastor Nominating Committee.  These are the only actions to be taken at this special meeting.
 
OPEN HOUSE FOR PASTOR CANDIDATE
 
The Pastor Nominating Committee would like to invite the congregation to meet and greet our candidate for our new pastor, Pastor Karen Fitz La Barge.  An open house will be held at the church on Saturday, May 7 from 2 pm to 4 pm.  We hope to see you there.  Pastor Karen will be preaching on Sunday, May 8th.
 
Candidate for Designated Pastor of North Kent Presbyterian Church

​
Karen Fitz La Barge Grandville, MichiganKaren served as Solo Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Allegan from 2010 until 2016. Prior to that she served as the Minister of Lifelong Learning at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, the Interim Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, the Executive Director of WITNESS, a Non Profit at Hope College, and the substitute Chaplain and Worship Leader at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Karen has worked for the American Red Cross and is on the Board of Directors for Machine Guard & Cover Co of Holland, Michigan, a family owned Plastic Thermoforming business.  She has a long list of other training and service to the Presbytery, particularly at Camp Greenwood.  With Session approval, Karen plans to serve as Chaplain at Camp Greenwood for a week this summer (the same week some of the NKPC kids will be there).
Karen grew up on a family farm where she learned to love horses.  Her Dad taught her to fish when she was 8, putting on her own worm and taking off her own fish.  She enjoys board games, best selling novels, growing 125 varieties of roses, collecting Brighton jewelry, poetry, photography, and milk chocolate caramels.
Karen, husband Bill, and 15 year old daughter, Elisa, reside in Grandville.  Elisa is heavily involved in her Robotics team, #288 The RoboDawgs. The family just returned from Alberta, Canada, where the Dawgs competed. The entire family loves Star Wars and the British TV show Dr Who.  Karen was gifted by the youth group at Allegan with their joint project, a full size wooden Tardis (now residing at Bills factory but longing for a new home). Karen maintains that the family is currently owned by three cats.
In addition to doing Website creation and tech consulting for Presbytery of Lake Michigan and Camp Greenwood, Karen is the Website Owner of thoughtfulboldness.com.  The PNC encourages you to visit and explore the website to get a more complete picture of Karen.
Formal Education:
McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago Illinois
Masters of Divinity, 2002
Western Theological Seminary, Holland Michigan
Hope College, Holland Michigan
Bachelors of Arts, 1992 (Double Major: Psychology and Philosophy)
 
 
 

 
Sunday we are celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion.  In the Presbyterian Church we understand that Jesus invites us all to the Table which he has prepared for us.  If you are a guest with us today, please join us in this sacred, joyful sacrament.  We use grape juice and gluten free wafers are available.  All are welcome. 
 
Sunday May 8 The PNC has chosen a candidate for our next Pastor.   We unanimously, and with great enthusiasm, submit for your consideration Karen Fitz La Barge. On May 8th Karen will Candidate and the Session has scheduled a Congregational Meeting for everyone to vote on her.  In the meantime, we hope you will read the biography (copies are the table in the narthex) and take the time to go to her webpage and read some of her sermons and writings.  The members of your PNC believe that you will be as convinced as we are that she is a wonderful choice to lead, and love, NKPC into our future. We will discuss in detail our selection process during the meeting on May 8th.  
 
Sunday, May 15 will be a joyful day to thank our choir and musicians for music which has enhanced our worship all year long, and to recognize our Sunday School teachers and students.  Jaydalyn Bazzett, Cassia Rowley and Norah Adgate will be receiving Bibles. We will also be thanking our Pastoral Nominating Committee for their work on behalf of all of us. We have invited the Moms and Munchkins group to be with us in worship that day. The Membership Committee will host our coffee hour. 
 
Please note that on Sunday, May 29 we will begin our summer worship schedule with our service at 10:00 a.m. 
 
Pastor Paula will be taking two days of vacation this coming week. If there is an urgent need to contact her, please use her email address or home phone number: 616-949-0437. 

 
2016 J.O.Y. Bicycle Ministry Group 
                                                       
The next event is on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Pere Marquette State Trail, Reed City.  
See full schedule on NKPC website:  northkentpresbyterianchurch.com
 
Students NKPC will be sending five of our children to Camp Greenwood on full scholarships this summer!  The session approved tapping into several dormant funds and the Youth Fund to make this possible. Now we want to remind the congregation to keep bringing your RINSED recyclable bottles and cans and place them in the barrels in the Fellowship Hall.  The refunds will enable us to help our youth again next year.
 
Graduate Gifts NKPC will honor any graduates we have this spring.  If you know of any graduates from high school, college, technical school, etc. please contact the church office.
 
This Week of May 1, 2016 through May 8, 2016
 
Sunday          (1)          9:30  am    Discussion Group  
                                   10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                   10:45  am    Worship Service
 
Monday         (2)        10:30  am     Moms & Munchkins
                                    7:00   pm     Boy Scouts
 
Tuesday         (3)        7:15  am   BNI 
                                    1:15  pm    J.O.Y. Bible Study at church
                                    6:30  pm    Disciple Bible Study at church 
                                    7:30  am    Men’s Breakfast (Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Dr.
                                    7:00  pm      Women’s AA
 
Wednesday    (4)        8:00  am   Women’s Breakfast (Real Food Café, 5430 Northland Dr. NE)                                                                                                             
                                    7:00  pm      AA
                                    
                                 
Thursday       (5)        7:30  pm   Choir Rehearsal
                                      
Friday            (6)        9:00  am    Morning AA
                                            
Saturday        (7)        2:00   pm   Meet and greet Pastor Karen
 
Next Sunday  (8)        9:30  am     Discussion Group 
                                   10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                   10:45  am    Worship Service 
                                   After Worship – Congregational Meeting

 
Special Congregational Meeting Session has called a special congregational meeting after worship on Sunday, May 8 to vote on calling the Rev. Karen Fitz La Barge to be North Kent Presbyterian Church’s Designated Pastor; to vote on the Terms of Call for her, and to vote on the possible dismissal of the Pastor Nominating Committee.  These are the only actions to be taken at this special meeting.
 
OPEN HOUSE FOR PASTOR CANDIDATE
 
The Pastor Nominating Committee would like to invite the congregation to meet and greet our candidate for our new pastor, Pastor Karen Fitz La Barge.  An open house will be held at the church on Saturday, May 7 from 2 pm to 4 pm.  We hope to see you there.  Pastor Karen will be preaching on Sunday, May 8th.
 
 
Candidate for Designated Pastor of North Kent Presbyterian Church

​

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Sunday Rev. Darrin Compagner and a member of the congregation, from the  Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, will be with us following worship. They will talk with us about how their congregation has moved from a mostly older congregation to one that is now multi-generational.  Please get a cup of coffee and a snack from Fellowship Hall following worship and quickly return to the sanctuary for that conversation.  

 
Sunday May 8 The PNC has chosen a candidate for our next Pastor.   We unanimously, and with great enthusiasm, submit for your consideration Karen Fitz La Barge. On May 8th Karen will Candidate and the Session has scheduled a Congregational Meeting for everyone to vote on her.  In the meantime, we hope you will read the biography and take the time to go to her webpage and read some of her sermons and writings.  The members of your PNC believe that you will be as convinced as we are that she is a wonderful choice to lead, and love, NKPC into our future. We will discuss in detail our selection process during the meeting on May 8th.  If you have any questions between now and then, please ask members of the PNC. 
 
 
Sunday, May 15 will be a joyful day to thank our choir and musicians for music which has enhanced our worship all year long, and to recognize our Sunday School teachers and students.  We will also be thanking our Pastoral Nominating Committee for their work on behalf of all of us. We have invited the Moms and Munchkins group to be with us in worship that day. The Membership Committee will host our coffee hour. 
 
 
Please note that on Sunday, May 29 we will begin our summer worship schedule with our service at 10:00 a.m. 
 
 
2016 J.O.Y. Bicycle Ministry Group 
                                                       
The next event is on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Pere Marquette State Trail, Reed City.  
See full schedule on NKPC website:  northkentpresbyterianchurch.com
 
Students NKPC will be sending five of our children to Camp Greenwood on full scholarships this summer!  The session approved tapping into several dormant funds and the Youth Fund to make this possible. Now we want to remind the congregation to keep bringing your RINSED recyclable bottles and cans and place them in the barrels in the Fellowship Hall.  The refunds will enable us to help our youth again next year.
 
Graduate Gifts NKPC will honor any graduates we have this spring.  If  you know of any graduates from  high school, college, technical school, etc. please notify the church office.
 
Concert Support your neighbors by attending the Rockford Community Band and Orchestra in concert today at Rockford High School at 3 pm.
 
 

Karen Fitz La Barge Grandville, MichiganKaren served as Solo Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Allegan from 2010 until 2016. Prior to that she served as the Minister of Lifelong Learning at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, the Interim Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, the Executive Director of WITNESS, a Non Profit at Hope College, and the substitute Chaplain and Worship Leader at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Karen has worked for the American Red Cross and is on the Board of Directors for Machine Guard & Cover Co of Holland, Michigan, a family owned Plastic Thermoforming business.  She has a long list of other training and service to the Presbytery, particularly at Camp Greenwood.  With Session approval, Karen plans to serve as Chaplain at Camp Greenwood for a week this summer (the same week some of the NKPC kids will be there).
Karen grew up on a family farm where she learned to love horses.  Her Dad taught her to fish when she was 8, putting on her own worm and taking off her own fish.  She enjoys board games, best selling novels, growing 125 varieties of roses, collecting Brighton jewelry, poetry, photography, and milk chocolate caramels.
Karen, husband Bill, and 15 year old daughter, Elisa, reside in Grandville.  Elisa is heavily involved in her Robotics team, #288 The RoboDawgs. The family just returned from Alberta, Canada, where the Dawgs competed. The entire family loves Star Wars and the British TV show Dr Who.  Karen was gifted by the youth group at Allegan with their joint project, a full size wooden Tardis (now residing at Bills factory but longing for a new home). Karen maintains that the family is currently owned by three cats.
In addition to doing Website creation and tech consulting for Presbytery of Lake Michigan and Camp Greenwood, Karen is the Website Owner of thoughtfulboldness.com.  The PNC encourages you to visit and explore the website to get a more complete picture of Karen.
Formal Education:
McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago Illinois
Masters of Divinity, 2002
Western Theological Seminary, Holland Michigan
Hope College, Holland Michigan
Bachelors of Arts, 1992 (Double Major: Psychology and Philosophy)

​

Pastoral Nominating Committee News  If you notice some extra seats available for this morning’s worship service, there is a good reason. The members of the PNC are visiting another church to hear a candidate preach at a neutral pulpit. The PNC will have meetings on Monday, and will report to Session Monday evening. The PNC is still making progress and we thought you should know.
 
Parking Lot. The Asphalt Repair Supervisors Extraordinary (ARSE) successfully oversaw the repair work of our parking lot.  From their perch (chairs) in the warm comfort of the building, they ensured all elements of the work was done to their high standards.  It appears that the crew had even higher standards.  The ARSE group thanks you for your support for the project.
 
Next Sunday, April 24 Rev. Darrin Compagner and a member of his congregation, from the   Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, will be with us following worship. They will talk with us about how their congregation has moved from a mostly older congregation to one that is now multi-generational.  Please plan to stay for that conversation. 
 
Sunday, May 15 will be a joyful day to thank our choir and musicians for music which has enhanced our worship all year long, and to recognize our Sunday School teachers and students.  We have invited the Moms and Munchkins group to be with us in worship that day as well.
 
2016 J.O.Y. Bicycle Ministry Group 
JOIN US FOR THE FIRST BICYCLE RIDE OF THE YEAR!
On Saturday, April 23, 2016, we will start with a Potluck Breakfast at North Kent Presbyterian Church.  Bring your favorite dish to pass.  Beverages will be furnished.  At approximately 10:00 a.m., we will reassemble at the White Pine Staging Area in Belmont and ride to Comstock Park and back.  A shuttle service will be provided for those who wish to be picked up at Comstock Park.  Please join us for a fun time of fellowship, food, and exercise.  All ages are welcome.  Can’t join us this time?  Keep your calendar open for future activities.
                                                       
The next event is on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Pere Marquette State Trail, Reed City.  
See full schedule on NKPC website:  northkentpresbyterianchurch.com
 
Bottle Deposits NKPC will be sending five of our children to Camp Greenwood on full scholarships this summer!  The session approved tapping into several dormant funds and the Youth Fund to make this possible. Now we want to remind the congregation to keep bringing your RINSED recyclable bottles and cans  and place them in the barrels in the Fellowship Hall.  The refunds will enable us to help our youth again next year.
 
Clothing Drive Thank you to all who so generously gave an article of clothing for each of the 40 days of Lent during the recent clothing drive. At garage sale estimates, the clothing and shoes and belts and more totaled $4,063. The men's clothing will be given to the North Kent Community Service Center; the women's clothing will be given to the Women's Closet of the Women's Resource Center.
 

This Week of April 17, 2016 through April 24, 2016
 
Sunday           (17)              9:30  am    NO Discussion Group  
                                          10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                          10:45  am    Worship Service
                           
Monday          (18)            10:30  am     Moms & Munchkins
                                           5:30  pm     PNC meeting
                                           7:00   pm     Boy Scouts
                                           7:00   pm     Session Meeting
 
 
Tuesday           (19)            7:15  am    BNI 
                                           1:15  pm    J.O.Y. Bible Study at church
                                           6:30  pm    Disciple Bible Study at church 
                                           7:30  am    Men’s Breakfast (Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Dr.
                                           7:00  pm    Women’s AA
 
Wednesday      (20)           8:00  am     Women’s Breakfast (Real Food Café, 5430  Northland Dr. NE)  
                                           7:00  pm      AA
                                 
Thursday         (21)            7:30  pm   Choir Rehearsal
                                      
Friday              (22)           9:00   am    Morning AA
                                            
Saturday          (23)      
 
Next Sunday    (24)           9:30  am     Discussion Group 
                                          10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                          10:45  am    Worship Service 
                                          After Worship – Congregational Discussion on Church Growth

The deacons will meet following worship today. 
 
Parking Lot Repairs  The contractor plans to start the work on Tuesday, April 12 in the morning.  Day one will they will remove the old surface, day two repair the sub-surface and repave, and day three (if dry) paint.  During the construction period the lot and driveway will be closed. If you need to get into the church, park in the street shoulder.  The loan proposal was approved at the Special Congregational/Corporation meeting on April 3, 2016
 
On Sunday, April 24 Rev. Darrin Compagner and a member of his congregation, from the   Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, will be with us following worship. They will talk with us about how their congregation has moved from a mostly older congregation to one that is now multi-generational.  
 
2016 J.O.Y. Bicycle Ministry Group 
JOIN US FOR THE FIRST BICYCLE RIDE OF THE YEAR!
On Saturday, April 23, 2016, we will start with a Potluck Breakfast at North Kent Presbyterian Church.  Bring your favorite dish to pass.  Beverages will be furnished.  At approximately 10:00 a.m., we will reassemble at the White Pine Staging Area in Belmont and ride to Comstock Park and back.  A shuttle service will be provided for those who wish to be picked up at Comstock Park.  Please join us for a fun time of fellowship, food, and exercise.  All ages are welcome.  Can’t join us this time?  Keep your calendar open for future activities.
                                                       
The next event is on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Pere Marquette State Trail, Reed City.  
See full schedule on NKPC website:  northkentpresbyterianchurch.com
 
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this coming week, Pastor Paula will be on a retreat near Three Rivers with other pastors. If there is a pastoral need in her absence please contact George in the church office.  
 
 

​This Week of April 10, 2016 through April 17, 2016
 
Sunday           (10)               9:30  am    Discussion Group  
                                          10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                          10:45  am    Worship Service
                                          After Worship – Deacons Meeting
 
Monday          (11)             10:30  am     Moms & Munchkins
                                            5:30  pm     PNC meeting
                                            7:00   pm     Boy Scouts
                                            7:00   pm     Facilities Meeting
 
 
Tuesday         (12)              7:15  am   BNI 
                                           1:15  pm   NO  J.O.Y. Bible Study at church

                                            6:30  pm   NO Disciple Bible Study at church 
                                            7:30  am    Men’s Breakfast (Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Dr.
                                            7:00  pm    NO Women’s AA
 
Wednesday    (13)               8:00  am     Women’s Breakfast (Real Food Café, 5430 Northland Dr. NE)  
                                            7:00  pm     NO AA church

                                    
                                 
Thursday       (14)             7:30  pm   Choir Rehearsal
                                      
Friday            (15)              9:00   am    Morning AA
                                            
Saturday        (16)              9:00  am    PNC
 
Next Sunday  (17)              9:30  am     Discussion Group 
                                          10:00  am    Choir Practice
                                          10:45  am    Worship Service