Chili Cook-Off and Bread Auction Oct 6

/

Chili Cook-Off! After our 10am worship service on Sunday, October 6, we will have our annual community chili cook-off. Bring your favorite crock pot of chili, or just bring your appetite for this free event. We have two categories, meat and non-meat. Please sign-up on the fellowship board at church, or by calling our office at 616-453-2497. We can't wait to taste all of the creative recipes. You are always welcome and invited to participate at St. John's UCC.

World Communion Sunday Bread Auction! In addition to our Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Oct. 6, we will hold our annual Bread Auction. Please bring your favorite homemade or store bought breads. While enjoying our chili lunch, we will auction off the breads to those who are present to raise money for our youth programs. We look forward to your dessert breads, fruit breads, sandwich bread, pita, taboon, and breads of many cultures and traditions. Thank you for your delicious donations and supportive purchases. What a fun Sunday for foodies and friends. You are always invited to gather with St. John's UCC. 

St. John's Mission at Dégagé Shelter

/

On Sunday, September 29, 5:30pm - 7:00pm, St. John’s Mission Team Volunteers will be serving lasagna dinners downtown at Dégagé in the Heartside district.

Dégagé Shelter offers help and hope to 400 - 500 homeless and disadvantaged individuals in our community every day. We reflect the love of Christ to all who come through the doors which fosters dignity and respect. We arrive at Dégagé at 5:30pm to set up. We serve dinner from 6pm - 7pm. Dégagé is located at 144 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. If you have questions, please see Theresa Bileth or email mission@stjohnsuccgr.org.

2019 Fall Kickoff, Sunday, Sept. 8!

/

It's time! Fall into church with friends and family on Sunday, September 8 at 10am as we celebrate Fall at St. John's United Church of Christ! Gather at our 10:00am Worship Service as we share Holy Communion, a meaningful message, beautiful music, and a special Blessing of the Backpacks for students. Witness the excitement of our little ones as they begin a new year of children's programs in our worship center classrooms. Learn about new ways to engage by chatting with team leaders about Fall opportunities. Experience our free community lunch with new friends after service at our 11:00am Pork Roast, Potluck, Pie Baking Contest (categories for fruit, non-fruit, and most unique pie) and several interactive yard games on the lawn for adults and kids. Bring a dish to pass or just bring your appetite. Invite your friends!

Members: Please bring table service for your family and a dish to share if you are able. Last names A-P bring dessert or fruit, Q-Z a side dish or salad.

You are welcomed and invited to participate in the full life and ministry of St. John's UCC whatever your race, age, sex, marital status, financial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, or ability. 1934 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. StJohnsUCCgr.org.

First Wednesdays! Volunteer at our Food Pantry!

/

Faith in Action! Come serve at the St. John’s Pantry from 5:00PM - 7:00PM on Wednesday, 9/4, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4.

You are invited to serve the community free groceries the first Wednesday of every month at the St. John’s Food Pantry. Arrive at 5:00pm to help set up, unload food from the truck, bag produce, organize groceries on banquet tables, and welcome guests. We have tasks for every ability! At 6:00pm, we begin serving, helping guests with fresh produce, dairy, frozen meat, boxed groceries, and bakery products. A quick clean-up begins at 7pm. You are invited to help with all or part of the evening on Food Pantry Nights. Non-members are always welcome to serve with St. John’s. Advanced sign-ups are not required, so bring your friends to help serve on any First Wednesdays you are available!

Save the dates and VOLUNTEER at St. John’s on First Wednesdays, 5-7pm: September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4. StJohnsUCCgr.org.

Blessing of the Backpacks!

/

Students of all ages! Please bring your backpacks to the St. John's UCC church service on Sunday, September 8 at 10am, so that we may bless the bags our students will carry throughout the 2019/20 school year. This blessing at our Fall Kick-off service symbolizes the wider support each student will receive from their church family as they journey through another year of learning. We value caring for each other. StJohnsUCCgr.org.


Register now for VBS Week

/

VBS week is July 29 - Aug 2. This is a reminder to please register now at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/join-us/vacation-bible-school. We’d love to get an accurate count of children so we can properly plan the food, projects, and fun surprises. Please share this VBS invitation sign-up link with your friends and family so they can register their loved ones for a fun-filled week at St. John’s UCC. All are welcome! Register and share!

Hand In Hand, Together We Stand Pep Rally!

/

Gather with St. John’s United Church of Christ on Saturday, June 15, 11:00AM - 12:00PM at Ah-Nab-Awen Park (299 Pearl Street, the lawn in front of the Gerald R Ford Museum) for the 5th Annual Pre-Pride Festival Kick-Off and Pep Rally hosted by the Grand Rapids Pride Center!

Dave Watt of the non-profit Mr. Friendly, assisted by the group Free Mom Hugs Michigan, will lead us as we cheer and reflect on the importance of PRIDE, COMMUNITY, and ACTION! Plus, special guest speakers!

Bring your flags, signs, spirit, and most importantly, your voices, as we celebrate all we are and join our ceremonial march to the opening gates of PRIDE 2019!