Sunday, October 18, 2026: 🎉 Connections Sunday: Come play, connect & discover St. John’s!

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What if getting more connected at St. John’s was actually…fun?

Join us for Connections Sunday on Sunday, October 18!

During Coffee Hour, our Teams and Groups will take over the tables in Fellowship Hall with information, games, activities, snacks, and plenty of opportunities to meet the people who make things happen at St. John’s.

If you've been curious about how to get involved at St. John's, this is a perfect opportunity to learn what’s happening and find a team or group that might be a good fit for you.

Already involved? Come show off your group, play along, and help someone else discover something new!

Whether you’ve been at St. John’s for years or you’re still getting to know us, Connections Sunday is for you.

Come grab some coffee, grab a game card, meet some people, and see where your curiosity takes you!

Sunday, October 18, 2026
⛪ 10:00am worship
☕ Connections Sunday during Coffee Hour
🎲 Games • Activities • Snacks • Teams & Groups

Come connect with us! ❤️ As always, you 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
Oct 18, 2026 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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This Sunday, October 11, 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. Following the service, please join us for a meal prepared by the children of St. John's at Enchilada Sunday and also "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/6ac51e748275bc47d73207aa/1791303284287/Children%27s+bulletin+10112026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ac918f85a144d4247633d04/1791564024464/Order+of+Service+10112026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ac915a01b7a0937b4595ef0/1791563168639/Journal+10112026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ac51e95f288082d337a556c/1791303317711/Weekly+Devotioinal+10112026.pdf

Today at 5:00 PM: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Panty is scheduled on October 7, 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 6:00pm.  Last month, 24 volunteers distributed 5,370 pounds of food to 109 household, 362 individuals, 132 children, 21 veterans, and 86 seniors. A very 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 check 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
Oct 7, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Sunday, October 11, 2026: 🌮 ENCHILADA FEST! The kids are cooking!

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Get ready for a delicious St. John’s tradition in the making!

🌮 ENCHILADA FEST! 🌮

with Tony Garza
Sunday, October 11 | 10:00am service

Our kids are taking over the kitchen — and we get to eat the results!

During our kids worship time, kids ages 9+ will join St. John’s member Tony Garza for a special cooking class where they’ll learn how to make delicious, authentic enchiladas. (kids younger than 9 will have their normal worship centers)

And then comes the best part: the kids will make enchiladas for the entire congregation to enjoy during fellowship hour!

So come worship with us, cheer on our young chefs, and stick around after the service to enjoy the fruits (or, in this case, the enchiladas!) of their labor. 🌮

It’s a chance for our kids to learn something new, spend time with a member of our St. John’s community, and share something they’ve made with all of us.

Sunday, October 11 | 10:00am
🌮 ENCHILADA FEST!
👩‍🍳 Kids 9+ cooking with Tony Garza
❤️ Enchiladas for the congregation during fellowship hour

Come hungry and get ready to celebrate our young chefs!

We can’t wait to see what they cook up!

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 11, 2026 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

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This Sunday, October 4, 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.  Following the service, please join us for our 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/6abd2d8d94e2c9189ecb08e7/1790782861518/Children%27s+Bulletin+10042026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6abd2d778b2c9e74047ab67a/1790782839623/100426+Order+of+Service.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6abfad3c2793a61c4c1b05c2/1790946620659/Journal+10042026+final.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6abd2f5cf5aa5151e133cf5e/1790783324971/Weekly+Devotional+10042026.pdf

Wednesday, October 7, 2026: Mobile Food Pantry

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A Feeding America Mobile Food Panty is scheduled on October 7, 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 6:00pm.  Last month, 24 volunteers distributed 5,370 pounds of food to 109 household, 362 individuals, 132 children, 21 veterans, and 86 seniors. A very 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 check 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
Oct 7, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Sunday, October 4, 2026: It’s almost time for one of our favorite St. John’s traditions! 🥖🌶️

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One of the most anticipated days of the year at St. John’s is almost here!

Join us on World Communion Sunday for our annual Bread Auction & Chili Cook-Off!

Sunday, October 4
10:00am worship | Chili Cook-Off & Bread Auction to follow

Come for worship, stay for the chili, bid on something delicious — and maybe discover that you have a secret talent for competitive chili making. 🌶️

🥖 Bring something to bake. Bid on something delicious.

Our bread auction is about so much more than bread! Bring your favorite homemade baked goods to donate, then get ready to bid on the goodies brought by your fellow St. John’s folks.

Sweet or savory, all kinds of baked goods are welcome:

  • Bread

  • Rolls

  • Muffins

  • Cookies

  • Brownies

  • Cakes

  • Pies

  • And anything else you think people will fight over (nicely, of course!)

🌶️ Enter the Chili Cook-Off

Bring your best crock pot of chili and let the congregation be the judge!

Tasting bowls and spoons will be provided, so all you need to bring is your chili — and perhaps a little confidence. 😉

💵 And it’s all for a good cause!

Proceeds from the event support St. John’s Education Program.

Once everyone has settled in with their chili, the bread auction will begin. Expect the auction to last about an hour — but you don't have to stay for the whole thing. Stay for a little, stay for the entire auction, or just come ready to eat and enjoy the fun.

This is one of those days that reminds us what makes St. John’s special: good food, good-natured competition, generosity, and a whole lot of fun together. And as always, you don't have to be a member of St. John's to participate.

Come hungry. Bring chili. Bring baked goods. Bring your competitive bidding spirit. And bring a friend! 🥖🌶️❤️

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ
1934 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Oct 4, 2026 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

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This Sunday, September 27, 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 worship service, which includes Blessing of the Animals. Following the service, please join us in Fellowship Hall for coffee hour. 

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/6ab41267c1c25a7e8f02ce4c/1790186087882/Children%27s+Bulletin+09272026.pdf

Order of Service

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ab4124e1f9c7f165d039bf1/1790186062660/Order+of+SErvice+09272026.pdf

Weekly Journal

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ab683bc3942437ea38692fe/1790346172341/Journal+09272026.pdf

Weekly Devotional

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6ab4128750d4570564724780/1790186119449/Wekly+Devotional+09272026.pdf

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