September 20th through September 27, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sunday School is offered for all children ages 4 – 10. The program is called “Growing in Grace and Gratitude” and it follows the children’s message. Nursery continues to be provided for the under 4 year olds. 

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund: There has been a need in the congregation for some financial assistance and the Women’s Association has met that need.  Contributions from the congregation to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund would be appreciated.  We thank those who have given to date.  
 
Today and On Sunday September 27 we welcome Rev. Howard Vanderwell and Ms. Norma deWaal Malefyt from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. They will talk with us about Presbyterian worship and about why we do what we do in worship. Those conversations will happen after the worship service in the Fellowship Hall. 



On Sunday, October 18 Rev. Dr. Laird Stuart will be with us to speak about healing and forgiveness. He has served as pastor in Presbyterian churches in New Jersey, Grand Haven, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and San Francisco. Most recently he has been Interim President of San Francisco Theological Seminary. He will preach and offer a conversation in the sanctuary following worship. Please plan to attend.   


On Sunday, October 4 there will be a congregational meeting to elect a Pastoral Nominating Committee and to vote on whether to call a pastor for an indefinite term or a Designated Pastor.  Please plan to attend that important meeting.  


Christian Education for Adults will be offering the Disciple Bible Study Course beginning this fall.  Jan and Jerry Wallace, members of the First Congregational  Church in Rockford, have agreed to be the leaders.  A sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex for those who are interested.  It will be important to have about eight members in the class. If you have not signed up please do so.  


Sunday Morning Discussion Group is using a resource entitled “Embracing an Adult Faith,”with 5 study sections: God, Jesus, Salvation, Practice and Community.  The first section is God.  We suggest that folks, think about these questions for the next 2 sessions: What words best help you express the reality of God in your life?  In what ways have you experienced and understood God at various stages in your life?  What riches grow out of your relationship with God at this time in your life?  What hymns, prayers and other writings express most accurately your experience of God?  These reflective questions are intended to open our minds, memories, and emotions regarding aspects of this topic, God.  This will be an informal discussion with no right or wrong answers, no judgment, and hopefully is a positive learning experience.  


Joy Bible study will resume meetings the first Tuesday of October.  The meetings last from 1:15 pm until 3:00 pm.  We will start our studies with the book of Micah, one of the “Minor Prophets.”  All are welcome. 

North Kent Community Services is offering a program for mothers living in northern Kent County to help them be a good mother and more with their Thrive Empowerment Program.  Thirteen women have completed the program.  Call Cherie Elahl at 616-866-3478 ext. 105 to schedule an interview.  Classes start Sept 28th.

September 20, 2015 through September 27, 2015

Sunday  (20)
9:30  am    Discussion Group
10:00 am         Choir Practice
10:45  am     Worship Service 
  After Worship – Presbyterian Worship Discussion 

Monday   (21)      
10:30  am   Mom & Munchkins 
7:00  pm                   Boy Scouts
7:00 pm                           Session
          
        Tuesday (22)
7:15 am                                  MNI
7:30  am            Men’s Breakfast
                            (Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Dr.
7:00  pm               Women’s AA 


Wednesday (23)
8:00 am        Women’s Breakfast
                      (Real Food Café, 5430
                             Northland Dr. NE) 
7:00  pm       AA                              

Thursday (24)
7:30 pm               Choir Rehearsal 


Friday  (25)
 9:00  am            Morning AA            

Next Sunday  (27)
9:30  am            Discussion Group
     10:00  am          Choir Practice             
            10:45  am           Worship Service               
After Worship - Presbyterian Worship Discussion