Merry Christmas!
/Merry Christmas from your friends at St. John’s United Church of Christ!
This Sunday, December 24, 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
Order of Service
Weekly Devotional
Weekly Journal
This Sunday, December 17, 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
Order of Service
Weekly Devotional
Weekly Journal
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/82013342039?pwd=YnpramR2eFRyblloc2tWTk1FQXk2Zz09
Meeting ID: 82013342039
Passcode: 261599
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
Dec 20, 2023 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Today at 6:30 PM: Girlfriends
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It doesn't seem possible in someways that we are almost at the end of another year. 2023 was not my best year, but it wasn’t the worst either. I’m sure if I look I can find some glittering moments to cherish and hang on to. But it was also a year of change, new roads to travel, explore, and learn. Not only personally but as a church. Wondering what 2024 will bring to all of us.
While thinking of the end of the year, and beginning of a New Year. May all your Christmas wishes and dreams become Christmas blessing that lead you into a wonderful New Year.
It’s also the end of another one of our books. It’s time to say so long to Philip Gulley and “What if the Church were Christian”. I think it has been a very interesting enjoyable, eye opening? Thought provoking read.
I know it has made us stop and think about church and how we do things and why.
But what’s next for us to explore? Barb sent out a list of possible books, what are your thoughts? Ideas? Likes? Where are we going next?
This will be the last girlfriends meeting of this year. As we will be finishing the book Tuesday Dec.12th. We will be taking a few weeks off to get the next book and enjoy the Christmas/ New Year season. So will probably start the next book about Jan 9th, 2024
But I wonder if any of you would like to meet in person for lunch/ dinner one day? We could meet early about 4:30p or on a Saturday? We could keep it simple and just do Mr. Burger or go to someplace more upscale. What do you think gang?
Girlfriends send prayers
of thanksgiving foe a New settled Pastor and his family
of thanksgiving for the new members we received on Dec.3rd
of hope to those still thinking of joining St.John’s
of recovery and healing to Dave.B, Susan.N,Sharon V.B., and others in our family needing them
of recovery, healing, grace, and peace in areas caught up in conflict— Palestine,Israel, Gaza Strip, Ukraine,West Bank
of recovery and healing to those effected by the killing at the University of Nevada- Los Vegas
Of thanksgiving to Gary’s niece on receiving rights of adoption
of healing for Laura’s coworkers that were recently laid off
of healing and concern for Frank’s friend Gina and her family on health concerns
for the Salsa family in Gaza and the Rajesh family in the West Bank that is under military occupation
of strength and healing for Ellen’s Dad and her cat Dandy
the safe return of all the hunters, and blessing to those lucky enough to have “bagged” a deer
to all the families who have lost someone in the terrible accidents all around us lately, and healing to any injured persons
for a great first Women at Risk pop up event and raising $700.00 for them
for the many blessings seen or unseen that we all receive each day. Thank you Lord for watching over and out for us.
Girlfriends is open to any and all you enjoy reading and discussing books. You do not have to be a member of St. John’s church. If you are interested in more information or joining, please contact Barb. H. Or Diana. D. Or the church office stating you want information on the girlfriends group.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82675676779?pwd=TWxuQVZzM2pwTjU0NDlJcXQ5TS96QT09
Meeting ID: 82675676779
Passcode: 334878
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
Dec 12, 2023 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The 9AM Pastor Class is Cancelled
/
Pastor's class scheduled at 9AM this morning is cancelled due to illness. Please join us for the 10AM worship service and keep Pastor Nathan and his family in you prayers.
This Sunday, December 10, 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
Order of Service
Weekly Devotional
Weekly Journal
Sunday, December 10, 2023: Christmas Caroling
/
Join us as we visit retirement communities and sing Christmas carols to share our excitement for the season.
We'll meet after coffee hour on Sunday December 10, 2023 in Fellowship Hall and visit three local retirement communities and sing for about 20 minutes at each location.
All are invited--young and old, singers and non-singers! Come share some Christmas joy with familiar carols.
Dec 10, 2023 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
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/82649100440?pwd=YksvNFgrUzZSZ0lNejFpTjY1SUV5UT09
Meeting ID: 82649100440
Passcode: 540764
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
Dec 6, 2023 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Today at 5:00 PM: 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
