Today at 6:30 PM: Girlfriends

Good afternoon ladies

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a crazy busy week around my house. Hopefully I will get the Christmas tree decorated tomorrow. The tree has been up with no decorations for over a week. And the other decorations put up. 

Todd has planned a really sumptuous lunch for everyone on Sunday. He really goes out of his way to make these luncheon special. So please be sure to thank him and  tell him how much you enjoyed it. (All I do is go along to bounce ideas off and push a cart.) This is all Mr. Todd.

Sunday is going to be quite the packed day. Wow. Bible study with Pastor, regular service and welcoming new members, Women at Risk pop up shop( their are some wonderful things there, and if it’s not there, it can be ordered and shipped to your home. There is so much more available for you to chose from on their web site. We only have a small selection at church.) Pastor Nathan’s installation/welcome new members lunch, the installation service and guest from other churches. Wow busy day!!

If you can pitch in and help out any please do so. There is always lots of clean up after these big events( and with sharing the kitchen with Derrick’s group maybe even more this time — as we are all working it out) Plus the Women at Risk items will need to be repackaged for return to them —— or you could just buy all the items so nothing is returned?? Any ways lots of extra hands would be greatly appreciated. And then I did the dumb thing of ordering play tickets for Sunday back in early August! —- long before all these events started to be planned. But we ( the play group) will help all we can after we return from the play. like I said Wow what a day.

We are still reading the last few chapter of “If the church were Christian “ by Philip Gulley. We will be starting on page 139 beginning of chapter 8  and going to the end of chapter 9 page 171.

Girlfriends will be meeting on zoom on Dec 5, 2023 @ 6:30p

So just some questions for you to think about.

Some of these might be good whole church survey  questions?

So what are you thinking about what this author has to say? Where do you see St.John’s in this book? Is St.John’s ahead  or behind other church’s? In what ways?  In our beliefs and how we do things? What do you think we need to change? How do we go about these changes?  What is the biggest thing/ change you would like to see at St.John’s? What are you doing to help make these( or other) changes come to fruition? Why, if you do, think St.John’s needs to change?Or why not? What brought you to St.John’s? Why have you stayed? What could we do to make St.John’s a more inviting,welcoming,nonjudgmental inclusive space? Do we really live into our saying”You are always welcome here”? If not how do we fix that and be more welcoming?

Barb send out the list of books for us to look at and think about? So what are your thoughts? What stood out and said pick me to you? Just a question=== when this group was started  a few ?? years ago, it was named after a book that was the first book we read. I think it was called girlfriends of the Bible? I’m not sure and I don’t remember who wrote it. Do any of you remember or still have a copy of that book?( I gave  mine to a cousin who wanted it for her granddaughter) I know we brought the book at an annual conference book sale, but it was years ago. Barb and I thought it might be interesting to reread( first time for some of you) that book—  if we could find it,  And compare our group now and then? Just a thought.  So what are we looking at reading in the New Year? 

Girlfriends sends prayers of thanksgiving:

  • of peace, healing to areas of the world at war. Palestine, Gaza Strip, Israel, Russia,  Ukraine

  • of gladness at the release of “some of the hostage “ 

  • for the remaining hostages

  • to the Carter family at the passing of former First Lady Rosalyn Carter

  • to Former President Jimmy Carter at the terrible loss of his life partner  Wow 77 years of marriage. 

  • of healing to Susan N, Sharon VB, Dave B

  • for the New Members joining us on Sunday Dec.3

  • To Pastor Nathan and his family on becoming our settled Pastor.
    may they find true happiness and blessing with us.                                

  • lots of sales for the Women at Risk event, to help out those in need

  • to all that Derek’s’ place/house does to feed the marginalized of our area

  • to Teresa and her group on having another outstanding mobile food pantry on Dec.6  and all it helps out

  • the safe return of all the deer hunters

  • to safe driving everyone as we begin to see the start of the snow/ ice season slow down, double triple check each way

  • to all the snow plow drivers that keep our roads, streets, drive ways  etc. clear for us

  • to all the police, deputies,  fire fighters, paramedics,EMT’s ambulance drivers, Etc  helping to keep us safe when needed.

  • for Christmas wishes to turn into Christmas blessings

  • praise for all the beans we were able to donate to UCOM, and the many families they helped out

  • for each other as we each face the challenges of each day

  • for having a God, our lord and savior who truly loves us    

Don’t forget to get with Becky T about recording a short message of Christmas cheer  to be on the web site for Christmas Eve/ day as we will not be having a service after the regular Christmas Eve  morning  10a service on Dec. 24th.  It will be fun to see/ watch that afternoon/ evening/ next day!

All items for the Senior bags need to be at church by 10a on Dec. 8th. If you are giving a monetary donation, please get that in this week. I will be doing any shopping that needs to be done on Dec.8 and we are planning to assemble the bags starting at 1:30p on Dec.9th. As many as possible will be given out at fellowship time  or by the carolers on Dec. 10th. Might need to recruit a few members to deliver to other members.  All are welcome to come help assemble the bags. 

Happy birthday wishes🎂🥂💐🎂🫶🏻🥰👩‍❤️‍👨🍨🧁🍾

  • Dave B

  • Patti B

  • Delores R

Girlfriends is open to anyone who enjoys reading and discussing what you have/ are reading.,You do not have to be a member of St.John’s church.  If interested  please contact Barb H., or the office at St.John’s ( 616-453-2497)  stating you would like information on  Girlfriends. Please leave your name, phone number, email address for Sally  to forward  to Barb or myself.  And we will reach out to you. Come join the fun and lively discussion. We welcome your thought, ideas, plans  whatever. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88487225023?pwd=OUpWWHpMNURGRC8vWUt4L2F3N3NyZz09

Meeting ID: 88487225023
Passcode: 907522

Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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Location:

Zoom
Dec 5, 2023 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

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This Sunday, December 3, 2023

Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! 

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m. 

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support.  If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here:  http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give .  You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC
1934 Bridge ST NW
Grand Rapids, MI  49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/656786e81d6ce220e9f01c68/1701283561123/Order+of+Service+12032023.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/656786e81d6ce220e9f01c68/1701283561123/Order+of+Service+12032023.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/656787132f90e46643e01e74/1701283604150/weekly+devotional+12032023.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6568961258cd2201de03d451/1701352978820/Journal+12032023.pdf

Sunday, December 3, 2023: Installation of Rev. Nathan Dannison

Join us for the installation of Rev. Nathan Dannison as our settled pastor on Sunday, December 3, 2023!

A luncheon will be provided prior to the service at 11:30 AM and the service will start at 1:00 PM.

Attend the service in-person or watch it online on our YouTube channel ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnvNk8KropU ) or Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/events/3315741252052665/ ).

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Dec 3, 2023 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

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Wednesday, December 06, 2023: Mobile Food Pantry

St. John's UCC is thankful and grateful for the dedication of volunteers and for the ability to give food to our neighbors in need of food with the support of membership to the Feeding America mission.   At the November Mobile Food Pantry, another record was broken.  A total of 123 seniors received protein, assorted fruits and vegetables.  Eighteen volunteers moved 6,814 pounds of food, benefitting 113 households, 384 individuals, 158 children and 8 veterans.  Carol Stechow knitted and donated colorful hats to give to happy recipients. Richard Johnson drove his new truck fully loaded to UCOM with surplus food to share. The December Mobile Pantry sponsored by St. John's UCC, in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church is scheduled for December 6, 2023, at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids. MI, 49504.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution starts at 6:00 pm.  For more information, contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.  Finacial support is always welcome by using the church app or by writing a personal check to St. John's UCC, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, 49504. Thank you for making an impact on alleviating hunger in northwest Grand Rapids. Together, we serve.  

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Dec 6, 2023 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Today at 7:30 PM: Evening Prayer and the Apostolic Fathers

St. John’s Church offers two opportunities each Wednesday evening via Zoom. All are welcome to attend either or both.

7:30pm – Evening Prayer. This is an opportunity to share joys and concerns, seek spiritual refreshment, pray together, and catch up with each other in the middle of the week. Outstanding sacred music is included.

8:00-9:00pm – Lecture and discussion of The Apostolic Fathers featuring Dr. Bart Ehrman. At each evening session we will listen to an audio lecture by Prof. Ehrman and then discuss the content. The Apostolic Fathers were Christian writers of the second century CE whom tradition connected with the original apostles of Jesus. Their writings are important for understanding the development of the early Church in the period immediately following the time of the New Testament. We anticipate a very interesting and informative lecture and discussion. There is no cost and no book is required.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84720017309?pwd=SDR5MGtPRFNKbEFjM0NkZ3dueHMydz09

Meeting ID: 84720017309
Passcode: 485308

Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Location:

Zoom
Nov 29, 2023 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

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Christmas Greetings

Since we will not be gathering in person on Christmas Eve, the Worship Team would like to have all our members and friends share Christmas greetings virtually. After services December 3rd, 10th, and 17th our team will record your Christmas messages to be compiled into a video posted to the website on Christmas Eve. If you would rather make your own video at home, send it to worship@stjohnsuccgr.org before December 18th so that we have time to combine the greetings. See Becky Tiedt one of the three Sundays after the service to have a video made at church.

Sunday, January 14, 2024: CPR/First Aid/AED/Narcan Training Course

St. John's will be offering a CPR/First Aid/AED/Narcan triaining course through Operation Heartbeat on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 11:30am-3:30pm. The cost of the training is $20 per person (an extra $20 if you want a certification card). Everyone is welcome.

Any teachers and volunteers who are approved to work with kids at St. Johns will have their $20 fee covered.

Please sign up at https://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/cpr 

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Jan 14, 2024 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Girlfriends

Good afternoon Ladies.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. That you were blessed with many blessing. I’m truly thankful for our girlfriends group and count each of you as a great blessing in my life.

If you’re a Black Friday shopper, I pray you found all the great bargain, had a fun time, and survived the stores in one piece!! As for me, after too many years of retail craziness, I’ll stay home and read a book. Or shop and order on line. Just not into that craziness any more. It has to be something pretty special for me to go. Though I do go to where my son works at usually for their after Thanksgiving sale. But it’s nothing like other places, No big crowds.

Hopefully you  willing be joining us on our continuing journey thru the book “If the Church were Christian “ by Philip Gulley. I must say I do agree with a lot of his points and sure pray that St.John’s is the open inviting  welcoming church that Pastor Gulley writes about.  It’s sort of funny. When the group decides on a book, and I read about it as I’m ordering it, most times I’m thinking” I don’t know why I agreed to this book. It’s going to be boring and I’m not going to like it or get anything out of it. Just look at that stupid title. This is going to be way above my head and understanding. .”And in all cases so far, I have been wrong. Most of the books I have totally enjoyed. And they were not something I would have picked to just read. And I have gain something from all of them, in different ways. Part of that gaining is from the free conversation we have each week. The free expression of thoughts, ideas, feeling, wishes( for the group, the church, members) experiences, concerns, problems, etc. If you are a reader, and enjoy discussions on what you read, insight from others on the same subject, wanting to express your thoughts, ideas, traditions, with like minded women, join us on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm on zoom for girlfriends. This week Nov. 28th we will be starting the discussion at the beginning of chapter 7 on page 121 and going to the beginning of chapter 9  page 155.  

Ladies as after the 28th we will only have 2 chapters left in this read. I suggest we talk some about the next book we will be looking to read—Barb has the list, so what’s next? And as this will take us into mid -Dec and how busy everyone will be, I say we look at starting the new book in Jan.2024? Maybe about Jan.8th? I would also like to suggest that on a Tuesday Dec 12 or  Tuesday Dec.19  or Saturday Dec.16th  we meet in person for dinner. Just a time to get together and wish each other Holiday joy. If on Saturday, maybe a few members who can not meet with us on Tuesday nights, could come join us? (Jean, Sharon, Marilyn??) Something to think about and talk about.

Barb, Teresa and I will be picking up the Women at Risk pop up shop items on Nov. 30th. If you could help out with the event on Sunday Dec. 3rd it is greatly appreciated. We can you people to help customers, collect payment, show items, and pack up after the event. ( hopping to keep open until the installation service, and pack up after the service. Thought we might get some of the guests for that service to shop?) Unfortunately a few of us have play tickets that can not be changed for that day, so all help is greatly appreciated 

Senior gift bag items are due my Dec.9.Will be assembling bags on Dec.9 starting at 1:30p. All are welcome to come help out. 

Girlfriends sends prayers to

  • Sharon on continuing recovery from surgery

  • To Sharon’s son on his continuing issues after surgery.And her daughter on her upcoming shoulder manipulation.

  • To Susan on her continued recovery

  • to the Salsa family in the West Bank

  • of thanks for Renee’s new career

  • to Lisa’s Dad  over health concerns

  • for safe passage for Hailey a friend of Derek’s place who is in hospice care

  • to those who supported Chloe and her class in their performances of Aladdin Jr

  • to people who have on one to share Thanksgiving with and those in families of strain

  • to the family of former First Lady Rosalyn Carter on her passing

  • of strength to former President Jimmy Carter on loosening his wife and life partner 

  • to those involved in the multiple major accidents in our area in the last week/ few days

  • to the Grand Rapids police on their 2 new police dogs.

  • to end the strife in Palestine,Garza Strip, Israel. Healing for all in this time of conflict

  • that the hostages are released and returned safely

  • continued safety to all the hunters. May you get your “big buck”

  • for those effected  by the bombing  on the Rainbow bridge

Birthday Wishes🎂❤️💐

  • Tina Yalda

  • Lynn Dick

  • Racheal Hoffman 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89152450579?pwd=SmZZSlFSWjlEWUd6ZnA1WVRZb2doZz09

Meeting ID: 89152450579
Passcode: 869360

Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Location:

Zoom
Nov 28, 2023 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

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Sunday, December 03, 2023: Women at Risk International Bazaar

Members and friends,

We will be holding a bazaar at St. John’s on Dec 3rd during our fellowship / lunch time to support Women at Risk. Women at Risk, International unites and educates to create circles of protection around those at risk through culturally sensitive  value added intervention projects. it is a Michigan based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Their passion is to empower survivors to live and  work with dignity and hope. They provide a safe healing place to heal from abuse, trafficking,exploitation and more. All the items will come from Women at Risk and be for sale or order (if something we do not have or sell out of). We will be having Christmas items and other things. You can look at their catalog of offering by going to warinternational.org or their store at 2790 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

Please help to make this a fun and profitable day for this group. If you have any questions please contact Diana DeKorte

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Dec 3, 2023 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM

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This Sunday, November 26, 2023

Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! 

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m. 

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support.  If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here:  http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give .  You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC
1934 Bridge ST NW
Grand Rapids, MI  49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/655e086c76b2c56d89d4f27c/1700661356921/Children%27s+bulletin+11262023.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/655e090148ad0c7b9b3b1ce4/1700661506425/Order+of+Service+11262023.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/655e090148ad0c7b9b3b1ce4/1700661506425/Order+of+Service+11262023.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/655e06dda92fba51d09e8908/1700660958424/Journal+11262023.pdf