The scripture used in March 7th  worship and prayer service:

Old Testament Scripture: Exodus 16: 1-5 and 11-15
  New Testament Scripture: John 6: 41 - 59

Click on the scripture links above to read the scripture

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Photos of the March 7, 2010 AM Church Worship Service

 

 

Note: To protect privacy, the last names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses have been removed.

SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS:

  1. Annette Y. thanked congregational members who have already pledged support for Crystal when she participates in a bowlathon for David's House Ministries, a Christian group home where Crystal plans to live.  If you intended to give, but forgot or . . . , pledges and/or donations are still being accepted.
  2. Sara V., one of our Young People's leaders, asked for us to pray for God's powerful presence and blessings on the Young People's retreat coming up this weekend at Camp Tall Turf  Please pray that the Spirit will bless this spiritual retreat.  We pray for God's blessings on the speaker, leaders, and young people attending that spiritual growth may happen and lives be recommitted to live for and with Jesus.
  3. Jon C. returned from a visit to Honduras with gratitude for the impact and response of Rockford Construction Team who are going to be involved in building a new clinic.
  4. Phil V. asked for God's healing graces on his father's hernia surgery . . . hopefully this coming week.  In addition, Phil covets prayers for his sister who is working in Kenya.  "My HIV clinic in Kenya always seems to include the extremes. Back to back, I saw the fattest baby I have ever seen in Kenya (a 7-month-old who weighed 22 pounds!) and one of the skinniest children I have ever seen (a 4-year-old who weighed 8 pounds!).  I went from cooing over the unexpectedly fat and adorable baby with great chubby cheeks to silent gasps of horror over this little girl whose body is wasting away because of her HIV and because her family does not have enough food for any of the 7 people living in their house."
     
  5. Carrie C. rose to give thanks to God for his healing and strength in her life.  Using memorized Scripture, Carrie gave a moving testimony and expressed confidence in God's strength within her.
  6. Nancy W. asked for prayers for three Calvin College students who need our prayers: a.) Steve from Kenya who is struggling with heart problems which will probably necessitate a heart transplant.  Presently he is in hospital at U of M; b.) Brenda who suffered a brain aneurysm early in the school year and has been in an induced coma since October.  Her parents vigilantly sit by her bedside awaiting recovery; c.) Matt who had an accident while deep sea diving during holidays.  He is now a paraplegic and in need of much therapy and prayer.

The am service was enhanced by a flute choir, Grow in Worship Signing Group and Praise Team.   Thank you for your participation.  The OT passage was Exodus 16: 1-5 and 11 - 15.  The NT passage for reflection was John 6: 41 - 59.  The title of the message was "Bread of Life", a reminder that as we participate in the body and blood of Jesus, He promises to nourish us so we can become more like Him.  Pray often for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts - to affect our hearts and minds with nourishment received to begin living the eternal life in the "here and now".

CHURCH FAMILY:

We rejoice with Becky and Jon K. on the birth of a daughter, Cameron Beatrice, born last week. 
 

Continue to keep Pat H. in your prayers as she struggles with diminishing eyesight. 
 

John L. has a parole hearing coming up in April or May.  If you know John and are willing, please send a note to the parole board in support of John.  Write to: Michigan Parole Board, Michigan Department of Correction, PO Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909. 
 

Praise God with Criss D. that her treatments are going well. 
 

New phone number: Klasien V.
 

Lois Ooms (USA, Africa) . Lois left on January 21 for 7 weeks (and 5 countries) of teaching and advising groups on transformational development.  The bulk of the trip is finished, but pray for continued safe travels, and wisdom and strength with a full schedule.  Today she is traveling to Nampula, Mozambique, and is planning to lead a workshop there from the 8th – 12th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

February Council Summary: We welcome Jason and Sian Z. and their children Dayna, Dirk and Kiera to First Church.  Council has received and accepted the resignation of Rhonda Brink as Choir Director, effective May 2010, after the present choir season.  We look forward to celebrating her years of service at a future date.  Church members are encouraged to review information on children at the Lord’s Supper and a revised form of subscription, both of which are available at www.crcna.org.  Council approved the serving of communion at the Youth Group Retreat by Rev. Erik Hanson of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley.  The Seder Supper will be served during the evening service of March 28.  Council approved the participation by First Church in the Gathering Grand Rapids United Prayer and Worship Effort that will take place on Sunday, April 25 from 6 – 8 pm.  Reminders:  All bulletin announcements are due Thursday by noon.  “Focus on First” is looking for articles and pictures.  Please submit these to Dave L..  All church members and council members, please help us keep the copy room (and other common areas in church) neat! 
 

Council Selection: The Executive Committee has prepared a revised council nominations list and extended the nomination deadline to Sunday, March 14.  The new nominations list was in your mailbox last week.  If you have already turned in a nomination form and wish to have it replaced with one from the revised list, please notify Joel R. or June D. of your intent.   Extra nomination forms are on the table by the mailboxes.  Also, it is important that you sign your completed nomination form.  Sorry for any confusion and thanks so much for your understanding. 
 

Game Night: All are welcome to come to the Fellowship Hall on Friday, March 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for games and refreshments.  Bring a favorite game and a snack to share; drinks will be provided.  Hope to see you there! 
 

The committee for the Seder Supper is looking for a few volunteers to help on the afternoon of March 28 with set up and final food preparation.  If you are interested, please contact Wanda Cowan ., Donna S. or Carole D.. 
 

Women’s Lenten Tea: All women and high school-aged girls should look for an invitation in their mailboxes today. 
 

20s & 30s Gathering:  We are planning to skate at Griff’s Ice House (30 Coldbrook NE) at 6 pm this Saturday, March 13 followed by hot chocolate and conversation at Bates Place starting at 7:30 pm.  RSVP to the church office (452-4370) or Mark V.. 
 

Youth Group: The Girls’ Bible Study will meet this Tuesday at 8 pm at Sarah’s house.  Thanks to Abi B. & Jenna D. for providing snacks!  Also, the Spring Retreat to Camp Tall Turf is next weekend, March 12-14.  Please contact Sarah with any questions. 
 

February Food Pantry Totals: 29 families served, including 42 adults and 23 children.  March Food Pantry Item of the Month: canned fruit. 
 

Sunday Morning Adult Ed: Join us next Sunday at 9 am in the East Room as we continue with the award-winning motion picture, The Enemy God, which tells the true story of life and death in the Amazon rain forest.   
 

Car Repair Day: Our next car repair day is Saturday, March 27 when we will change oil and do minor repairs starting at 9 am.  If you are willing to help, please contact Dave L. at home . or work (430-3845).  Also, if your car is in desperate need of an oil change and you can’t figure out how to get it done, call Dave or Mark V..  
 

Midweek Corner for March 10:

Cooks: Tom F., Wanda C., Dave L., Jim V.

Clean Up: Laurie Witte, Dan B., Rob P.

Table Hosts: Jason & Sian Z.a, Mary D.

Nursery: June D., Bernie J., Kelli V. 
 

Seder Supper: In keeping with our Lenten focus on the Lord’s Supper, we will be celebrating the Seder Supper on March 28 at 5 pm.  The Seder Supper marks the beginning of the Passover Celebration on the Jewish calendar and celebrates the saving work of God in delivering His people from Egypt.  In an intimate evening with his disciples, Jesus also celebrated this meal, sharing communion with them and confirming his own life would be given to save his people. The Jewish custom was to celebrate this meal with families.  We invite you to bring your family and come celebrate with us.  Please sign-up below and give this RSVP to the church office.

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Family name __________________________ 
 

Number of adults attending _________  Number of children _____________