We Are Praying for Those in the Tornado's Path

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Almighty God,
Your power is without question and your love is limitless. We struggle to understand where you are in natural disasters like this one. And yet, where shall we go but to you for help finding the missing, for strength in the search and rescue efforts, to comfort the grieving, and to heal the wounded.  Preserve the lives of those waiting to be found. Bless those who are dealing with the situation in person with all the resources they need. Grant courage to those who wait for news of loved ones. And uphold those for whom the news will be what they feared the most. Empower the churches of Oklahoma to be your ever-present help in trouble. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Fajita Sunday

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Gather with us this Sunday, May 19, as we celebrate Pentecost as well as this years graduates and confirmands with a gorgeous fajita lunch sponsored by Tony and Sue Garza! Fajitas, chips, salsa and rice will be provided and prepared in our kitchen! Service at 10am. Fajita lunch at 11am. Bring your friends and family!

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Pentecost

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Sunday, May 19 is Pentecost Sunday. On Pentecost, the early church became unstuck. They found a power larger than any power they had known. It came from outside them but invaded their space. A lot of us get stuck and know the desperate need to have somebody open the door and let the wind rush in. Pentecost guarantees that the whole climate can change in a room, that the weather can shift, that people who thought they were stuck can be unstuck. Let's pray. God, send forth your Holy Spirit into my heart that I may perceive, into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate. Inspire me to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May your grace help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen.

Dégagé

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Volunteer Opportunity! We will be serving dinner at Dégagé Shelter twice in June! If you are available Sunday, June 2nd or Sunday, June 30th, please sign up on the Mission board in Fellowship Hall or contact Theresa Bileth at 616-826-3284. We arrive at Dégagé (144 S. Division) at 5:30pm to serve from 6-7pm. Carpooling from church is available upon request. 

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West Parking Lot Closed

/ St. John's United Church of Christ/

DTE Energy has begun construction to replace the natural gas pressure regulators and vaults under the old Bridge Street right-of-way. That right-of-way is our west parking lot.  Beginning this morning the west parking lot is closed.  Later today snow fence will be installed around the site and construction equipment will arrive. The major work effort begins tomorrow.

The carport drive remains open to cars dropping off passengers. Valet service will be available for drivers with handicapped permits. If you would be willing to serve as a valet please contact Jerry Krauss to volunteer. 

At some point in the project a trench will be cut across the carport driveway. A new gas main will be installed and the pipeline running under the carport pillars will be abandoned.  Steel road plate will be installed temporarily to keep the drive accessible on Sundays. 

Construction will last at least 6 weeks.  ​As part of the project the vent tubes currently in the parking area will be relocated to the right-of-way, opening up two more parking spaces. DTE will replace the asphalt disturbed and resurface the entire parking area as a thank you for our cooperation in this necessary infrastructure upgrade.   As a ministry of hospitality we are making the facilities and drinking fountains available to the construction crew, so if you see workers in the building we hope you will offer them our extravagant welcome and thanks for their work.

Jewish Film Festival

/ Celebration Cinema North/

Celebration Cinema North presents the 15th Annual Jewish Film Festival, May 5 - May 9, 2013. The complete schedule of events is listed below.

Sunday, May 5,  4:30 p.m. Special Interview   6:00 - Dinner at the Cinema sponsored by Jimmy Johns.  7:30 p.m. "A Bottle in the Gaza Sea"

Monday, May 6 7:30 p.m. "The Last Survivor" documentary follow by a panel presentation

Tuesday, May 7  7:30 p.m. "Kaddish for a Friend" a German drama

Wednesday, May 8  6:00 p.m. Film Festival Dinner catered by Mdeiterranean Grills and 7:30 p.m. "Orchestra of Exiles" Documentary - Speaker : Josh Aronson, director.

Thursday, May 9  7:30 p.m.  "Remembrance" German-Austrian Film. ​

Visit www.jewishgrandrapids.org for more details.​

 

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Vitality Day

/ United Church of Wayland/

The Michigan Conference of the UCC is  hosting an additional Vitality Day event on Tuesday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m.  Rev. David Schoen, will present "Becoming the Vital Churches and Disciples that Tomorrow Requires."  Contact Barb Paff at Barb@michucc.org to register or call (517)332-3511. This event will be held the United Church of Wayland, 411 E. Superior St., Wayland, MI.

Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys

/ 265 Sheldon Ave. S.E. /

The Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys will present a free concert, “Heaven Comes to Earth,” on May 4 at 7 p.m. at St .Andrew’s Cathedral, 265 Sheldon Ave. S.E.

Westminster Abby choir director, Martin Neary, will direct the concert and prepare the choir for a CD release.  The concert of hymns and sacred music will include a free will offering.