Sunday, September 27, 2026: Join Us for Blessing of the Animals!

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There’s something pretty special about gathering together with the animals we love — and it’s time for one of our favorite traditions at St. John’s!

🐾 Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, September 27, 2026
St. John’s UCC | 1934 Bridge St. NW

All people-friendly pets are invited to join us for worship and receive a special blessing! Dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, and other beloved companions are welcome.

And we know not every pet is quite ready for a church outing — so there are plenty of ways to be included:

🐶 Bring your pet: If your pet enjoys being around people, bring them along for a blessing!

🧸 Bring a special stuffed animal: Children can bring a beloved stuffed animal “pet” to receive a blessing, too.

📸 Bring a picture: If your pet would be happiest at home, bring a photo of them and they can still receive a blessing.

💻 Send us a picture: You can also email a photo of your pet to the church office ahead of time, and we'll include them in the slides during the service. Please send photos by September 21 - email to office@stjohnsuccgr.org.

Whether they have four legs, two wings, lots of fur, or are a squishy stuffy, we’d love to celebrate the animals who bring so much joy, companionship, and love into our lives.

Bring your pets, bring their pictures, bring your stuffed animal friends — and come be part of this joyful St. John’s tradition! 🐾

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sep 27, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

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This Sunday, September 20, 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! 

Join us at 10:00 a.m. for our worship service, followed by coffee hour in Fellowship Hall. 

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/6aaab15624e88e507b7d24ce/1789571414120/Children%27s+Bulletin+09202026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aaab12172c4cd16b2552fc2/1789571361639/Order+of+Service+09202026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aad6c226da7585cf598ceed/1789750306084/Journal+09202026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aaab16fa3b91d6488ba475e/1789571439568/Weekly+Devotional+09202026.pdf

Today at 6:30 PM: Monday Friends Book Discussion Group

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Dear Friends, tonight we will be discussing, "Reading the Bible for the First Time" by Marcus Borg.  Let's read the Preface and Chapters 1 and 2 to begin our discussion.  It starts a little "textbookish", but hang in there--I think you will enjoy!!!  I am looking forward to catching up with everyone.  Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89989671527?pwd=gb7itgrGzFGbEaNsg5F7FNapaqTXuF.1

Meeting ID: 89989671527
Passcode: 333032

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 14, 2026 6:30 PM through Sep 14, 2026 8:15 PM

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This Sunday, September 13, 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! 

Join us at 10:00 a.m. for our worship service. Today we will celebrate our Fall Kick Off and the beginning of our worship centers.

Join us during coffee hour for food, fellowship and We Celebrate You !

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/6aa18a851bc3ed0607d7bc7e/1788971653394/Children%27+bulletin+09132026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aa18a6dc6de2d15371014eb/1788971629336/Order+of+Service+09132026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aa2e6b0c61a9b613dabe9b2/1789060785018/Journal09132026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6aa18a6dc6de2d15371014eb/1788971629336/Order+of+Service+09132026.pdf

This Sunday, September 6, 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! 

Join us at 10:00 a.m. for our worship service. Join us downstairs, after worship, for coffee hour and Church Chat. 

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/6a98523eaf2f204c19fe4b8d/1788367422088/Children%27s+bulletin+09062026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a9ad5873e2165326fd0c799/1788532103906/Order+of+Service+06092026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a9ad345648d0d424bb9d4df/1788531526028/Journal09062026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a985375b2eb02708552a96f/1788367733296/Weekly+Devotional+09062026.pdf

Today at 5:00 PM: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled on September 2, 2026, sponsored by St. John's, in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI. 49504.  Distribution will begin at 7:00 pm.  Last month, 29 volunteers distributed 4, 772 pounds of food to 102 Households, 362 individuals, 68 seniors, 154 children, and 7 veterans. 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 donating on the church app or by sending a contribution to St. John's UCC 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve. 

Food Pantry Non Discrimination Agreement

Location:

Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sep 2, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Join Us - Fall Kick Off Sunday 9/13 at St. John's

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Join us Sunday, September 13 at 10am for a joyful day of worship, community, and connection.

During worship, children will be introduced to their new worship center classrooms as we begin another year of learning and growing together in faith.

After the service, gather with us outside (weather permitting) for a delicious potluck meal! Chicken breasts/thighs and a vegetarian option will be provided, along with rolls (including gluten free). We'll also have hot and cold beverages. Please bring a dish to share if you’re able:

  • A–M: Side dish

  • N–Z: Dessert

It's also Celebration Sunday, so we'll have a gluten free cake as well. This is a wonderful time to celebrate our congregation, share food, and look ahead at how we can serve each other and our community in the year ahead. If we have inclement weather, we'll celebrate down in Fellowship Hall.

All are welcome—bring your family, bring a friend, bring your appetite! 

Whether you’re new to the church or haven't yet visited, this is a day to feel connected, inspired, and ready for what’s to come. YOU are welcome here and do not need to be a member to participate. 

Location:

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


This Sunday, August 30, 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! 

Join us at 10:00 a.m. for our worship service, then join us for coffee hour downstairs in Fellowship hall. 

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/6a8ef3b2ccaded32751ab720/1787753394814/Children%27s+bulletin+08302026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a8ef39c4c33da5fa3bf5119/1787753372605/083026+Order+of+Service+final.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a9055d4639113125008b0a9/1787844053027/Journal+08302026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6a8ef3cc110182495ba2e621/1787753420196/Weeky+Devotional+08302026.pdf

Wednesday, September 2, 2026: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled on September 2, 2026, sponsored by St. John's, in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church.  Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI. 49504.  Distribution will begin at 7:00 pm.  Last month, 29 volunteers distributed 4, 772 pounds of food to 102 Households, 362 individuals, 68 seniors, 154 children, and 7 veterans. 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 donating on the church app or by sending a contribution to St. John's UCC 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.  Together, we serve. 

Food Pantry Non Discrimination Agreement

Location:

Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church
1550 Oswego NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sep 2, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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One Item. One Neighbor: Support UCOM

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One Item. One Week. One Neighbor.

Looking for a simple way to make a difference in our community?

UCOM (United Church Outreach Ministry) helps our neighbors in the Grand Rapids area who are facing food insecurity and other financial challenges. For many families, the basics—food, personal care items, and household supplies—can be difficult to afford.

So we’re trying something simple: bring one item to church for UCOM.

It doesn’t have to be a lot. Maybe it’s something you already have in your pantry, or one extra item you pick up while grocery shopping. And there’s no expectation that you do it every week. Once a week, once a month, or whenever you’re able—it all helps.

Some items UCOM accepts include:

  • Toothbrushes & toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo

  • Laundry detergent/pods

  • All-purpose cleaners

  • Ketchup, mustard & barbecue sauce

  • Salad dressings

  • Oil & vinegar

  • Spices

  • Other shelf-stable food items

Times are challenging for a lot of people right now—including people in our own congregation. That’s why small acts of generosity matter.

If each of us brings just one thing when we can, together we can help make sure our neighbors have some of the things they need most.

One item. One act of kindness. One neighbor at a time.