Today at 5:00PM: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled on April 1, 2026, sponsored by St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00pm at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504. Distribution will begin at 6:00 pm. Last month, we distributed 4,085 pounds of food to 100 households, 335 individuals, 129 children, 91 seniors, and 11 veterans.  A total of 24 dedicated volunteers worked together to address food insecurity in our community.  A small amount of surplus food was delivered to UCOM by Richard Johnston.  We continue to be an equal opportunity provider.  For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.  Financial support is welcome by giving on the church app or by sending a personal check to St. John's UCC, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve.   

Mobile Food Pantry non discrimination agreement

Location:

Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Apr 1, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday, Friends Book Discussion Group

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Dear Friends, We continue our discussion of "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh.  We will try once again  discuss Chapters 3 an 4, pages 25-59.  Just in case you need to know, I made through cataract surgery on Tuesday morning, just fine.  My eye sight is still a little blurry!!!  It is a process!!!.  See you all soon, Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81426140995?pwd=xV2z05mxIgijhMnagafDdzXkS9Oq9T.1

Meeting ID: 81426140995
Passcode: 309894

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
Mar 31, 2026 6:30 PM through Mar 31, 2026 8:30 PM

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Friday, April 03, 2026: 🕯️ Good Friday — Tenebrae (Service of Shadows)

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7:00 PM | In-Person & Online

In a world that feels heavy, Good Friday invites us to slow down and sit with the story.

Join us for a simple, somber Tenebrae service (about 30 minutes or so). Through Scripture, dramatic readings, quiet music, and brief reflections, we will walk the events from the Last Supper to the burial of Jesus as light gradually fades into shadow.

A sacred pause.
A space for honesty.
A reminder that even in darkness, God is present.

📍 1934 Bridge St NW
💻 Worship online available

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Apr 3, 2026 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM

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This Sunday, March 29, 2026

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Please join us for our in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.  Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. 

Coffee Hour will be served in Fellowship Hall. Thank you to all who helped with the restoration!

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/69c3e4c312222d53c404f521/1774445763534/Weekly+Devotional+03292026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69c3de2a8fb7c03075d6d045/1774444074456/Order+of+Service+03292026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69c6967586eb2f0b288738d8/1774622325470/Journal+03292026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69c3e3a18edbd213972dd2b5/1774445473646/Weekly+Devotional+03292026.pdf

Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled on April 1, 2026, sponsored by St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00pm at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504. Distribution will begin at 6:00 pm. Last month, we distributed 4,085 pounds of food to 100 households, 335 individuals, 129 children, 91 seniors, and 11 veterans.  A total of 24 dedicated volunteers worked together to address food insecurity in our community.  A small amount of surplus food was delivered to UCOM by Richard Johnston.  We continue to be an equal opportunity provider.  For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at tmarkoski2004@yahoo.com.  Financial support is welcome by giving on the church app or by sending a personal check to St. John's UCC, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve.   

Mobile Food Pantry non discrimination agreement

Location:

Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Apr 1, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday, Friends Book Discussion Group

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Dear Friends, We started our discussion of our new book, " Living Buddha, Living Christ", by Thich Nhat Hanh.  We will continue with Chapter 3 and 4, pages 25-59.  If you would like to join in the discussion, I do have an extra book.  Just call or text me, 616-438-1336.  The sun is peeking out today---love it. Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87449469012?pwd=HxbI3cNWAmuERjyaVbqaO6vUK5ybai.1

Meeting ID: 87449469012
Passcode: 199861

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
Mar 24, 2026 6:30 PM through Mar 24, 2026 8:15 PM

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Sunday, March 29, 2026: Palm Sunday Service

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🌿 Palm Sunday at St. John’s UCC 🌿
10:00 AM | In-Person & Online

Holy Week begins with celebration.

Palm Sunday reminds us that hope can show up in unexpected ways — even in uncertain times. As the crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, they were longing for peace, justice, and change. Sound familiar?

This Sunday, our Confirmation Class and Handbell Choir will lead a joyful procession, helping us enter the story with palms in hand and courage in our hearts.

✨ Come wave a palm.
✨ Come sing loudly.
✨ Come reflect deeply.
✨ Come as you are.

At St. John’s UCC, we believe faith should make room for real life — your doubts, your questions, your joy, your grief. You belong here.

📍 1934 Bridge St NW
💻 Join us online if you can’t be in person
🍰 Food and fellowship to follow downstairs!

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Mar 29, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

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This Sunday, March 22, 2026

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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 our in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.  Today we celebrate Scout Sunday during our worship service.

Coffee hour will be held in the Narthex this Sunday, as repairs to Fellowship Hall are still being completed. 

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/69ba9d653ab2f00ccbfbc532/1773837669700/Children%27s+bulletin+03222026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69ba9d403ab2f00ccbfbae2d/1773837632999/Order+of+Service+03222026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69bd8eacc06cf01c0be56515/1774030509964/Journal+03222026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/69ba9d98b8c7847b95401208/1773837720629/Weekly+Devotional+03222026.pdf

Holy Week at St. John's

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This is a tender time in our world.

Many of us are carrying grief, uncertainty, exhaustion, and questions. Holy Week doesn’t ignore that reality — it walks straight through it. From celebration to heartbreak to resurrection, this sacred week reminds us that love is stronger than fear… and hope is never lost.

At St. John’s United Church of Christ, we’re an Open & Affirming, progressive Christian community building a just world for all through authentic worship, radical welcome, and passionate activism. We follow a risen Christ who calls us to:

  • Protect God’s creation

  • Reject racism and injustice

  • Care for the poor and powerless

  • Share our earthly and spiritual resources

  • Embrace diversity in all its beauty

  • Love God deeply — and enjoy this life fully

Join us for Holy Week:

🌿 Palm Sunday - March 29 | 10 AM
✨ Good Friday - April 3 | 7 PM
✨ Easter Sunday - April 5 | 10 AM
 🥚Easter Egg Hunt - April 5 | 11 AM

No matter your race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, financial status, ability, or background — you are welcome here.

📍 In Person Worship: 1934 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
💻 Online Worship: stjohnsuccgr.org