Today at 11:00 AM: Bread Auction

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We’re getting very excited for the Annual St. John’s Bread Auction! Mark your calendars for October 6 during coffee hour and start preparing your bread donations.

What is the Bread Auction?

Every year on World Communion Day we ask for donations of bread, muffins, baked goods etc. These can be homemade or store bought. Then our wonderful St. John’s kiddos auction off the bread during coffee hour.

It’s really fun to see these little auctioneers and get some friendly competition going over some delicious goodies! All of the proceeds from the bread auction will go to the Eduction program and will fund the supplies, snacks, crafts, and outings our kiddos enjoy throughout the year.

We will gladly accept cash, check, or credit cards during the Bread Auction and you will get to take your goodies home right away (or consume them during the Auction). We typically have a chili cook-off that day as well which goes very well with bread.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Education Team at education@stjohnsuccgr.org.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 6, 2024 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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Neighbors in Need Special Offering

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This year’s Neighbors in Need theme “Mental Health Justice for All: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” highlights our God-given right to mental health.

Everyone is created in God’s image, and everybody should receive quality mental health care.

In 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution to become WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health.

A just world for all is a world where the human rights and well-being of people with mental health challenges are respected, no matter who you are or where you are in life’s mental health journey.

Here are 12 key messages that are important to know:

  1. Good mental health is a key part of overall health and wellbeing.

  2. Good mental health helps us cope with challenges, connect with others, with God, and thrive throughout our lives.

  3. Mental health is vital and deserves to be recognized and respected.

  4. Everyone has the right to access quality treatment that meets our unique needs and respects our human rights throughout our lifetime.

  5. Mental health challenges are a significant threat to the wellbeing of young people.

  6. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world.

  7. We must break the silence about mental health challenges.

  8. We must dismantle the stigma, shame, and discrimination surrounding mental health challenges.

  9. We all have the right to live our lives free from the stigma and discrimination in church, school, and in the workplace.

  10. Good, quality, affordable, and accessible community mental health services and supports are crucial for a just world for all.

  11. Mental health is fundamental to enjoying a good and meaningful life.

  12. Everyone’s mind is beautiful, complex, unique, and made in God’s image.

In a Just World, Mental Health is a Universal Human Right! Please join us in supporting the 2024 Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering.

Donations to Neighbors in Need 2024 can be made online by selecting Neighbors in Need or in-person/by-mail by identifying on your envelope or check that the donation should be applied to Neighbors in Need.

Two-thirds of your donations to NIN support advocacy, programming, and grants. One-third of your generous gifts directly support CAIM.

For more information, visit https://www.ucc.org/nin/ 

This Sunday, October 6, 2024

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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 followed by our annual chili cook-off and bread auction.

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/66fffb8e8dcf1469bbf53511/1728052110949/Children%27s+Bulletin+10062024.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffb68ac622259fbde0407/1728052072702/Order+of+Service+10062024.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffba4c00a1442d821c1e1/1728052133102/Weekly+Devotional+10062024.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffbcb3acf8c132a362d90/1728052172884/Journal+10062024.pdf

Tuesday Girlfriends Discussion Group

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Hello everyone, so we finished our book last night and voted on a new book, "Kitchen Table Wisdom" , by Rachel Naomi Reman.  Its a beautiful  collection of stories that heal by a Jewish MD.  A reviewer says, "the book is about the human tradition of shared experiences that show us life in all its power and mystery and reminds us that the things we cannot measure maybe the things that ultimately sustain and enrich our lives".  This book comes to us, recommended by Kay Soentgen and I think we can really use healing right now in this election year.  We will take a few weeks off to get the book and start reading it.  We will meet by zoom on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30 PM.  I purchased the book used for $5.99 on Amazon last night.  If you have any questions give me a call or text at 616 438-1336.  Have a great day!!! Barb

Today at 5:00 PM: Mobile Food Pantry

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Let's work together on Wednesday October 2, 2024.  St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church will host a Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry at 1550 Oswego NW., Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution will begin at 6:00 pm.  We are an equal opportunity provider.  Last month, we sent home food to a record-breaking number of 500 individuals. A total of 26 dedicated volunteers distributed 9,685 pounds of protein, fruit and vegetables.  Additional statistics included 148 households, 174 children, 98 seniors and 16 veterans.  A very small amount of surplus food was delivered to UCOM by Richard Johnston.  Thank you to Todd Krupp and Jeffery Dick for distributing hotdogs to clients waiting in cars with the involvement of Dick grandchildren and family.   We were glad to welcome Jake Kremer and Amy De Maagd, new to the volunteer pool.  For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry, feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.    Finacial support is always welcome by using the church app or by mailing a check to St. John's UCC, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  It takes a village to feed our neighbors, together we serve. 

Mobile Food Pantry Non -Discrimination Agreement

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 2, 2024 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Girlfriends Discussion Group

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Hello everyone, Quite a breeze today!!!  So we hope to finish our book, "The Bible Tells me So...Why defending scripture has made us unable to read it", by Peter Enns.  We will discuss Pages 206 to 244.  I just forwarded our last list from April plus new additions from Kay.  Please note: ("Invisible Lines of Connections" is on the list, but we have already read it.)   Please take a look and pick a couple for next weeks meeting.  And prayers for the victims of hurricane floods--just WOW.   Take care my friends, Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86900515415?pwd=CXsOdbb1YpnjxtK9xCV5WW62ULtSWT.1

Meeting ID: 86900515415
Passcode: 292223

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
Oct 1, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

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Sunday, October 06, 2024: Bread Auction

/

We’re getting very excited for the Annual St. John’s Bread Auction! Mark your calendars for October 6 during coffee hour and start preparing your bread donations.

What is the Bread Auction?

Every year on World Communion Day we ask for donations of bread, muffins, baked goods etc. These can be homemade or store bought. Then our wonderful St. John’s kiddos auction off the bread during coffee hour.

It’s really fun to see these little auctioneers and get some friendly competition going over some delicious goodies! All of the proceeds from the bread auction will go to the Eduction program and will fund the supplies, snacks, crafts, and outings our kiddos enjoy throughout the year.

We will gladly accept cash, check, or credit cards during the Bread Auction and you will get to take your goodies home right away (or consume them during the Auction). We typically have a chili cook-off that day as well which goes very well with bread.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Education Team at education@stjohnsuccgr.org.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 6, 2024 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Add to my calendar

This Sunday, September 29, 2024

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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/66f592934df71b1f22e5feb2/1727369875270/Children%27s+Bulletin+09292024.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66f59249eb924e0860ab8cb9/1727369802021/Order+of+Service+09292024.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66f592ae1ae5df2dac6af5d4/1727369902229/Weekly+Devotional+09292024.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66f6a77ae8c55c6880bc062d/1727440763531/Journal+09292024.pdf

Wednesday, October 02, 2024: Mobile Food Pantry

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Let's work together on Wednesday October 2, 2024.  St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church will host a Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry at 1550 Oswego NW., Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution will begin at 6:00 pm.  We are an equal opportunity provider.  Last month, we sent home food to a record-breaking number of 500 individuals. A total of 26 dedicated volunteers distributed 9,685 pounds of protein, fruit and vegetables.  Additional statistics included 148 households, 174 children, 98 seniors and 16 veterans.  A very small amount of surplus food was delivered to UCOM by Richard Johnston.  Thank you to Todd Krupp and Jeffery Dick for distributing hotdogs to clients waiting in cars with the involvement of Dick grandchildren and family.   We were glad to welcome Jake Kremer and Amy De Maagd, new to the volunteer pool.  For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry, feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.    Finacial support is always welcome by using the church app or by mailing a check to St. John's UCC, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  It takes a village to feed our neighbors, together we serve. 

Mobile Food Pantry Non -Discrimination Agreement

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 2, 2024 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Add to my calendar

Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Girlfriends Discussion Group

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Hello Everyone, looks like a rainy afternoon for us!!!  We had a really wonderful service today. Markus Little is such an inspiration and we are so blessed to have him in our church. Check it out on line if you missed it.  Anyway we will continue our study of " The Bible Tells Me So....Why defending scripture has made us unable to read it" By Peter Enns.  We will discuss pages 180 to 227.   We are getting close to the end of this book---any thoughts on what you would like to read and discuss next?   Hope to "see" you Tuesday night.  Blessings, Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86473627559?pwd=BTEt6sk6roOMHv9fykD83TF4Iwp2cM.1

Meeting ID: 86473627559
Passcode: 393865

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
Sep 24, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Add to my calendar