Strengthen the Church Special Offering

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The Holy Spirit gathers us together.  From across the country and the spectrums of human experience, we become united in Christ.  And, united, the Spirit commissions us to work for a more just world for all.   

The Strengthen the Church Offering supports congregations and leader across the United Church of Christ as they respond to the Spirit’s call to be united in Christ for a more just world for all.  The challenges our congregations face vary:

  • Some seek ways to strengthen youth ministry

  • Some hope to start new congregations

  • Some look for innovative ways to renew existing congregations

  • Some need help developing leaders

The giving in your congregation can ensure congregations get the help they need from their conference and the national ministries of the UCC. Together we can answer the Spirit’s call to be united in Christ for a just world for all.

At our Pentecost Sunday Service on June 8, we'll be taking a special offering for Strengthen the Church. Donations can be made in person (please note on your check or envelope that the donation is for Strengthen the Church) or online at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/donate by selecting "Strengthen the Church" as the Fund.

Thank you for your generosity.

This Sunday, June 8, 2025

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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/68404f53ed0b45465ff90a0e/1749045076613/Children%27s+bulletin+06082025.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/68404f3a36466211421f85ab/1749045051932/Order+of+Service+06082025.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/68404fe9b3a2ed0d7f5177a9/1749045226021/Weekly+Devotional+06082025.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6842dcb335b7323f62e45863/1749212341219/Journal+06082025.pdf

Today at 5PM: Mobile Food Pantry

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The Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry sponsored by St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church is scheduled for June 4, 2025, at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI., 49504.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution begins at 6:00 pm.  Last month, we distributed food to 116 households, 332 individuals, 101 children, 97 seniors and 10 veterans.   A total of 27 volunteers moved 5,035 pounds of food.  Richard and Christine Johnston delivered surplus food to UCOM.  Apples and Pop Tarts were shared with our neighbors at Grandview Apartments.  Thank you to all of our volunteers and patrons of our Mobile Food Pantry.  Your kindness does make a difference. For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Financial support is always welcome by donating on the church app or by writing a personal check to St. John's United Church of Christ at 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve. 

Food Pantry Non Discrimination Agreement

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Jun 4, 2025 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Friends Tuesday Discussion Group

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Dear Friends,  We will continue our discussion of "The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham, A Tale about Loving God", by Robert Hudson.  We will discuss Chapter 5, 6, and 7 on this coming Tuesday evening. Enjoy the beautiful weather!!!!

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81028430982?pwd=S2wgvHUFXjjaMlIsmFQwpfw0veuGjK.1

Meeting ID: 81028430982
Passcode: 613618

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
Jun 3, 2025 6:30 PM to 8:39 PM

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This Sunday, June 1, 2025

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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/6835e421c2378b5c34766a60/1748362273693/Children%27s+Bulletin+06012025.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6835e40aa29f49415fd11a23/1748362251127/Order+of+Service+06012025.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6835e4530c696a4e568d1c1b/1748362323649/Weekly+Devotional+06012025.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6839c26cb987a34ee1c2f2b9/1748615789737/Journal+06012025.pdf

Wednesday, June 04, 2025: Mobile Food Pantry

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The Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry sponsored by St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church is scheduled for June 4, 2025, at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI., 49504.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution begins at 6:00 pm.  Last month, we distributed food to 116 households, 332 individuals, 101 children, 97 seniors and 10 veterans.   A total of 27 volunteers moved 5,035 pounds of food.  Richard and Christine Johnston delivered surplus food to UCOM.  Apples and Pop Tarts were shared with our neighbors at Grandview Apartments.  Thank you to all of our volunteers and patrons of our Mobile Food Pantry.  Your kindness does make a difference. For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Financial support is always welcome by donating on the church app or by writing a personal check to St. John's United Church of Christ at 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve. 

Food Pantry Non Discrimination Agreement

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Jun 4, 2025 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Add to my calendar

Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Friends Discussion Group

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Dear Friends, I had a great time this past Tuesday,  I think this will be a fun book, but also challenge us with spiritual and life questions.  Our new book is "The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham, A tale about loving God" by Robert Hudson. We will be starting with Chapter 3, "The Banquet" and also Chapter 4, "Ministry of Profanity".  I did send a text message to the author, asking for a small gift of his time at a zoom meeting and have not heard back.  But you never know do you!!!  Prayers for Susan's sister, Mary as she travels and prayers for Sharon Van Bennekom, who is in the hospital and prayers for Pam Maniscalco as she recovers from a car accident.  Drive safe this holiday weekend and enjoy our beautiful Michigan weather.  Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86548110986?pwd=0mPbccsaWZJCpbybszJSnJditGBRdm.1

Meeting ID: 86548110986
Passcode: 566682

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
May 27, 2025 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

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This Sunday, May 25, 2025

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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/682c8a54adb0d40ea624b6f4/1747749460295/Children%27s+Bulletin+05252025.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/682c89fa8eca345429a3b448/1747749371445/Order+of+Service+05252025.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/682c8a9a11389748e8dce5ee/1747749530688/Weekly+Devotional+05252025.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/682f1de4bd10b50b520b8717/1747918310411/Journal+05252025.pdf

Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Friends Book Group

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Dear Friends, We will be starting our new book discussion in a couple of weeks.  Our new books comes to us, recommended by Bren Tooley, titled, " The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham, a Tale about Loving God" by Robert Hudson.  It is a quirky story about Katie Westcott, a student in seminary and Martin Bonham, an English professor.  Katie confesses to Professor Bonham, that she does not love God.  Together this unlikely pair pose the question:  What if students could major in "loving God", not religion or theology, but in the daily challenge of loving the Creator with all your heart.  We will meet on May 20, via Zoom, at 6:30 to start our discussion.  Lets start with the first 2 chapters and see where our discussion leads us.  Let me know if you cannot find the book or have questions.  All are welcome to join our time together.  Barb 616-438-1336.  

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85241140408?pwd=PkegAsug9pMN4HaYqq5FkHUmAU7LzV.1

Meeting ID: 85241140408
Passcode: 125964

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
May 20, 2025 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

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This Sunday, May 18, 2025

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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/6826080c1f4ba2698ab733d0/1747322893614/Children%27s+Bulletin+05182025.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/682607f04c6f936f1b2f5bdd/1747322866504/Order+of+Service+05182025.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6826082f54e4c676c45c5674/1747322927994/Weekly+Devotional+05182025.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/68273b670ecaa331740ce98f/1747401576571/Journal+05182025.pdf