1. family and parenting
2. children

East Congregation United Church of Christ
KICKS-OFF WITH
RALLY SUNDAY
NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC
September 7th...
...& hear about
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
MUSINGS
Rev. Ruth D. Fitzgerald
The news of this week, this month, this whole year even, is the news of death and violence
and incomprehensible hatred. Spin the globe and you can see the names Ukraine, Gaza, Israel,
St. Louis, Nigeria, Iraq. War and disease are shaking our planet to its core, it seems.
In scripture, we read these words: “Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be
comforted for her children, because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15)
Jeremiah is writing words of lament from exile in Babylon, writing from a place of separation
from the center of Israelite culture—the temple in Jerusalem. The exiles were banned from
Jerusalem, where they found the physical anchor for their lives in God. Perhaps we, too, are
separated from our center, pulled from the core of our lives’ purpose. Perhaps we might cry
for our children who no more know a world of security and assurance of God’s goodness.
Is it really as bad as all that?
Just recently I read a UCC devotional that begins like this: The semi-nomadic Maasai tribe of Kenya
and Tanzania maintains many of its cultural traditions, even as it engages the modern world. To this day, the
Maasai use the traditional greeting of Kasserian ingera. It means, "And how are the children?" It reflects
the high value the Maasai have always placed on their children's well being. The hoped-for answer is, "All the
children are well."
What if we adopted this as our own tradition—in the church, in our country, in the world?
And how are the children? How are the children in Ukraine, in Gaza, in Israel, in Nigeria, in
St. Louis, in Iraq? How are the children in this neighborhood? How are the children in this
church? I imagine the answer: “All the children are well,” means much more than just their
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physical health is OK. I imagine this answer is a statement of the hope for the future,
anchored in the continuing of life.
Our center is our life in God’s assurance, whether we are physically in one place or whether
we are scattered. If we feel exiled from God’s presence, we need only think of our children
to recover the reason that we find our center in God. We need only think of our children to
remember that it is because of our hope in their future that we live as faithful people—
teaching them to follow in our ways. We need only think of the children to renew our own
efforts in loving as Jesus loved.
So, how are the children? Physically OK? Mentally bright? Spiritually strong? At East
Church the children are welcomed into worship. They are shepherded to Sunday School
classes by loving teachers. They are fed and loved and encouraged in fellowship groups. They
are taught to pray and to sing and live their faith.
God may ask: How are the children?
We pray that the children are all well. Here and everywhere. Amen.
HERALD INFO FOR ALL CHURCH COMMITTEES, BOARDS & LEADERS
The deadline for the OCTOBER Herald will be on September 17 (3rd Wed.)
As our staff coffee mugs say,
Plan ahead and be sure your church committee events are listed on our calendar and in
our upcoming bulletins & Heralds. Help us all to stay connected and involved!
(E-blasts are available on request for church-related events, too!)
"No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey,
you are welcome here."
East Congregational United Church of Christ,
an open and affirming faith community.
EAST CHURCH FALL OFFICE HOURS (Beginning Sept. 2)
Mon. Tues., Wed. & Thurs.
Fridays
9am-4pm
Office Closed
Rev. Frank A. Vietze
As we continue in the season of Pentecost, with its color green symbolizing growing in the
Faith, let's look at the Nicene Creed and see how it can help us to understand our faith. First, a little
history. Early in the 300's four men contended for rule of the Roman Empire. Constantine, who
favored legitimizing the Christian Church, won out over the others, and in 323 was the sole ruler of
the Roman world. Constantine thought that the unification of the empire would be helped if there
were one religion binding all together. Thus he stopped the persecution of the Christian Church and
showed it favor. This helped the
church to grow. Then he moved the
capital to the rebuilt Byzantium,
We believe in one God,
which the world called, in his honor,
the Father, the Almighty,
Constantinople, in the most strongly
maker of heaven and earth,
Christianized portion of the world.
of all that is, seen and unseen.
However, the church was not wholly
united. Different ideas of how God
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
and Christ were related divided the
eternally begotten of the Father,
church. They could not be two gods,
God from God, Light from Light,
one under the other, for that was
true God from true God,
against monotheism. Could Christ be
begotten, not made,
of the same substance as God?
of one Being with the Father;
Constantine called the first worldwide
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
council to solve this problem,
he came down from heaven,
bringing about 300 bishops at
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
governement expense to meet at
and became truly human.
Nicea in 325 A.D. The Nicene Creed
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
is the result of that meeting.
he suffered death and was buried.
The
Nicene
Creed
Notice that it is made up of
three paragraphs, one each for the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the ways
we know God. Also notice that the
second paragraph is more than twice
as long as the other two. The first half
of that second paragraph is
emphasizing that Jesus is of the same
substance as God the Creator. The
beginning of the third paragraph
connects the Holy Spirit to the Father
and the Son, all one trinitarian God.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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This is a remark from Pr. Ruth, when commenting on attendance at one of our summer
services. What a wonderful way of looking at things! We have all pondered how we as a
church will fare in the near future, given that nagging whisper of our smaller membership.
Good news: we need no longer dwell on that!
Right now / this minute:
We are getting younger, as we gain new members and youth. Our latest membership class
has 9 members; very encouraging!
We have good programs - Youth, Music, IHN, Food Pantry, Community Outreach,
Siloam Spirituality Center...(there is more, and there will be more)
We have truly talented and personable staff, in all positions - Minister, Youth Director,
Music (instrumental and voice), Administrator, Custodian, Treasurer (yay Jane).
We are a sincere church, with a membership who is involved with some aspect of
ECC programs.
We are a curious lot (or might it be a little of the Holy Spirit?) 12 adults have signed up
and pledged to read and study the entire Bible in the coming year, and to share in class.
We are blessed with a facility that other churches can only dream of. Yes, it demands
attention, but our facility can host more activities and events than most others (IHN,
weddings, Piano Cottage...). And we are in a great central location.
We are looking at a formal Visioning Process in 2015. It will result in a guiding tool for
all we do.
Indeed, we can now look ahead with enthusiasm. May we be grateful
for this hope. Let us - each individual - resolve to recognize and
build on our strengths. We can do this, slowly and intentionally,
step-by-baby-step. As we approach September, give consideration
to what you can do, what you will do, and how you
can do it, to build strength, knowledge, holiness,
and God’s love at East Church.
Ed & Katie Bolt
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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
Education, fellowship, worship, and music. I believe these are four of the building blocks of
the foundation of our faith. As long ago as the first century when Luke wrote the words
above, Christians have gathered to learn, share fellowship, worship (and share in the holy feast),
and pray.
This fall, we begin a renewed commitment to these principles of faith—education, fellowship,
worship, and music—particularly as we make a few changes to our programming for youth
and children.
Education: A lifelong process, especially for faith formation. This fall, our children from ages
3-middle school will meet together on Sunday mornings, learning the lessons of the lectionary
right along with those of us in worship. Our new curriculum follows the same pattern, so
parents and children will experience the same Biblical lessons each week.
Worship: Our children will join us for the first 15-20 minutes of our morning worship services
each week, and will remain in worship for the entire service on the 4th Sunday of each month.
During the early minutes of our service we will help our children learn some of the basics of
faithful worship by repeating our opening hymn for several weeks and also by joining in the
praying of The Lord’s Prayer during the opening prayer time.
Fellowship: Our Youth Groups (divided by age into Middle School and High School groups)
will continue to meet for fellowship and fun and service on Sunday evenings. Separately and
together they will be building lives of faith.
Music: Martin Luther believed that those who sing pray twice, so words set to music are indeed
prayer. The youngest children will sing and pray in their classrooms. Margi Peterson continues
as our choir director, and will work with the Angel Choir (grades 3-5) following Sunday School
each week. The youth choir will meet on Sunday afternoons. These groups will participate in
worship on the 4th Sundays of the month.
I am excited about all of these new plans and look forward to seeing our children and young
people grow in their faith. There is more detailed information about the schedule in the
information for children and youth. Growing faithful disciples is the work of everyone in the
church—learning, worshiping, joining in fellowship, and praying. May it be so.
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Allison Van Skiver
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
A new Sunday school curriculum has been chosen and it has made us re-think our Sunday
morning schedules. Our new curriculum is lectionary based, so the children will all be learning
about the same thing that Pastor Ruth will be preaching on! Our new curriculum will also have
our young ones in worship more. We look forward to working with this and seeing how it can
excite our young people. The new schedule looks like this:
9:00-9:45am
9:45-10:15am
10:30am
10:30am
~10:45am
10:45-11:45am
11:45-12:30
Bell Choir Rehearsal
Chancel Choir Warmups
Nursery is open - Second Floor Noah's Arc Room
Worship Begins
Children ages 3-middle school excused from worship to
Sunday school
Sunday school-During Sunday school, ages 3-grade 2 will learn
music within the educational time.
Age 3- Kindergarten - Fish Tank Room
Grades 1-2 - Former Star Room (west side, education wing)
Grades 3-5 - Room along south side
Middle school - (grades 6-8) Youth Room
Angel Choir (grades 3-5)
Youth choir (grades 6-12) will meet from 4:30-5:30 Sunday nights. Two Sundays a month, that
will be followed by youth group meetings from 6:00-7:30pm.
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Age 3-Kindergarten
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-5
Middle School
9/14
Kris Choura
Todd Choura
Jackie McClure
Stephanie Slupe
9/21
Kris Choura
Todd Choura
Jackie McClure
Stephanie Slupe
9/28
10/5
***FAMILY SUNDAY (need a volunteer to help with Nursery)***
Tricia Ophoff
Beth Rienstra
Natalie Bernecker
YOUTH RETREAT
(Grades 6-12.)
10/12 Tricia Ophoff
Beth Rienstra
Natalie Bernecker
Stephanie Slupe
10/19 Tricia Ophoff
Beth Rienstra
Natalie Bernecker
Stephanie Slupe
10/26
***FAMILY SUNDAY (need a volunteer to help with Nursery)***
**On the 4th Sunday of each month, children will remain in worship with "children's bulletins"
available.
WE NEED SUNDAY SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS!!!
The Christian Education Committee is looking for NEW and RETURNING
volunteers to help teach Sunday School this year. We have an AWESOME new
curriculum and we are asking that volunteers commit to one month (3 weeks) at a time.
We have some amazing young people that want and need your guidance. Are you
willing to step out? The curriculum is provided for you in advance so you will always
know what you will be teaching. The curriculum also goes right along with what Pastor
Ruth will be preaching about in church so families can discuss the weeks lesson at home
during the week.
There are four different classes for which to volunteer:
Age 3-kindergarten
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-5
Middle school (grades 6-8).
Would you please prayerfully consider this? Even if you have NEVER taught Sunday
school before, please think about it. It can be a wonderful experience for all of those
involved. Please contact Allison Van Skiver as soon as possible to volunteer. Email at
allisonrvs@comcast.net or call at 540-4076.
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Allison Van Skiver, Director
Youth Ministries
Rally Sunday
Sunday, September 7
ALL BELIZE YOUTH...
We need ALL youth at church on Rally Sunday (Sept. 7).
We need lots of help with games for kids. Please plan to
stick around after worship and help out!
–
(Rally Sunday) we
will be presenting our trip to the congregation. Plan to be in
the sanctuary by 9:30am to run things through. You DO
NOT need to wear your Belize shirts, unless you want to!
Please begin writing out some thoughts about your
experiences in Belize. Each of you will speak for 2-3 minutes
about how the trip affected you and your faith journey. How
did you see God? What kinds of things do you want to do now
that you’ve seen what other cultures do? How were you
changed by your experience? Please watch your emails (or
your parents’ emails) for more information.
Fall Schedule
Sunday September 14
Middle School Kick Off Night
6:00-7:30pm
Meet up in the Youth Room to discuss our upcoming year and
what you want to do. It will be a chance to meet our new
members and just hang out.
Sunday September 21
Senior High Kick Off Night
6:00-7:30
It’s time again to start planning our summer mission trip! Let’s
sit down, chill, and get some stuff decided! J
October 4-5
FALL RETREAT
We’re headed to Wesley Woods! Go-karts, prayer, Wolf Call
and so much more await you on this fun-filled weekend.
Cost is $65 per students (scholarships available-ask Allison).
Watch you mail for more details. Put this on your calendar
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Pastor Ruth
DISCIPLE Bible Study Series
Twelve people have signed up to begin a 34-week study of the Bible.
There is significance in the number—twelve students seeking to become better
disciples of Christ. The group will begin the week after Labor Day and
conclude in early June, 2015. The DISCIPLE Series is based on in-depth Bible
study that builds strong disciples and strengthens whole congregations in the
word of God. Watch for news from these folks as they find the joy and
excitement of discipleship. Members of the group, led by Pastor Ruth, are: Jerry Ambrose,
Sally Ambrose, Peggy Bender, Lu Bertotti, Ed Bolt, Betty Buist, Harriet Cox, Laura Johnson,
Jackie McClure, Sue Robert, Kim Slupe, and Glenn Viening. We pray God’s blessings on their
learning this year.
Kristen Haas
I’d like to lead the first book discussion IF there are a number of people willing to
commit to reading the book and taking part. I propose meeting at 9:15 Sunday morning
September 14 in the Board Room to see if there is enough interest. If there is, I’ll talk a bit
about the novel I have in mind and why I think it is a good choice for a church-based book
club. I’d propose meeting again in a month after everyone has had a chance to read it. This will
be more of an organizational meeting; we can decide to meet on a different day or in a different
location if Sunday morning is inconvenient for enough people. If this sounds at all appealing,
please come and be counted.
Interested in joining the Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids?
Open auditions will be held during the first two weeks of September. Please
contact Mark Webb atmark.webb56@gmail.com. have an exciting season
planned starting with Carmin Burana (with the West Shore Symphony),
Sounds of Christmas (with West MI New Horizons Music Ensemble), our
annual Messiah Sing Along and a Spring Concert to benefit the homeless in
Grand Rapids. join us! for auditions can be found at www.chamberchoirgr.org
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Joel Gary
I would like to thank all of our wonderful musicians who provided special music over the
summer. Our worship was greatly enriched by the sharing of your time and talent.
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Summer
The Singing Cottage Choir
Youth Choir, Margi D. Peterson, (Director)
Chris Koorndyk, Mezzo-Soprano
Ed Bolt, Tenor
Jessica Kenworthy, Soprano
Kathleen Singh, Soprano
Kathleen Singh, Soprano with Mahesh Singh, Violin
Jessica Kenworthy, Flute
Mark Johnson, Tenor
Becca Johnson, Soprano, Rachael Johnson, Soprano, Meagan
Slupe, Alto, Allison Van Skiver, Tenor, Mahesh Singh, Bass
Ray Zwingeberg, Pianist
Curtis Prussner. Soloist with John Prussner, Guitar and Ray
Zwingeberg, Pianist
Choir News
After a summer break our choirs are ready to begin rehearsing again.
We have made some adjustments to the rehearsal schedule:
Ÿ Youth/Adult Handbell Choir - Sunday morning 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM beginning
September 14
Ÿ Adult Chancel Choir - Thursdays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM and Sunday 9:45 AM - 10:10 AM
beginning September 4
Ÿ Children's Choir - During worship on Sunday mornings-see "Christian Education"
Ÿ Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)- Sunday afternoon 4:30 PM
We are always looking for Ringers and Singers! No experience necessary. If you would like
to try us out, feel free to join us! For questions about any of our music programs, please
contact Joel Gary, Music Director, 616/304-3749.
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East Congregational United Church of Christ
October 17, 18, 19
at the Farnsworth's new Cottage
Led by Pastor Ruth and Jan Wallace and Michelle Edwards from
1st Congregational United Church of Christ in Rockford, MI.
We have room for 16...
Watch for details & sign-ups in upcoming September church bulletins.
Gay Bovee
Don't forget about us! As you begin sorting your things, please remember that we sell:
housewares, men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby items, toys, puzzles,
CDs, books. Just drop off donations at church outside Second Space in the container marked
Thrifty Treasures or call me at 616-676-2255) and I will arrange to meet you at the shop for
drop off. We really need help to stay open- men, women, couples- all are welcome. Please
contact Gay Bovee at616/676-2255.
Jane Farnsworth
This mulit-level Yoga class meets from 7:00pm until 8:15pm every Monday evening. Jump
in anytime!
Please continue to feel free to bring a friend/family member or neighbor.
Wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat and a blanket.
Be prepared to lose stress, gain energy and find a sense of peace.
Questions? Call Jane Farnsworth : 245-1697 or email jjfgr@sbcglobal.net.
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Many, many thanks!
This summer has been full of lots of hard work and planning, along
with weddings and all the “usual.” Thanks are due to many people
who, in the quiet of summer, gave their time to this community of
God’s people:
Thanks to Frank Vietze and Pat Stirling for leading worship and being
on call for pastoral needs during the weeks while I was away. Al Heystek and Pat Stirling have
shared the responsibilities for weddings this summer, too—what a gift it is to share ministry
with others in our congregation.
Our Personnel Committee (Becky Evans, Ed Bolt, Jane Farnsworth, Rob Carpenter,
Jon March) spent important time completing reviews of our staff. I am grateful to these folks
and all the staff members for their willingness to meet and for their commitment to the work
of this community of faith.
Monday mornings found a whole crew of willing folks working inside and outside this
building. Our Men’s Club has an ongoing list of projects that continuously improve our
building. They are willing and skilled and we are blessed by their work. Check out the new
window in my office door! Joining them for work outside in the garden were several women
who weeded and trimmed and generally made our grounds look their best. Take a moment
to thank these folks: Gordy Johnson, Jack Zuiderveld, Dave Waltersdorf, Dave Krebs, Jerry
Ambrose, Roger Horton, Mike Hanson, Sue Johnson, Sue Kreb, and Kristen Haas.
Pastor Ruth
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Join us! Friends, Church Members, Neighbors, Passers-By...
Sunday, September 7
Right after the 10:30 am worship service, head outside for
our annual meet and greet even, Rally Sunday!
(Alexander & Giddings)
Re-connect with friends who have been gone for the summer, meet new friends who
are coming to learn more about East Church, enjoy the fellowship and share in the
excitement of a new program year with East Congregational Church.
FELLOWSHIP
LiVe MuSiC!
Games & Prizes!
This even is sponsored by the East Church Membership Care &
Growth and Christian Education Boards.
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Membership Care and Growth
Simon & Stacy Vance,
Greta, Emmett, & Hazel
Simon and Stacy have been attending East
Church regularly for some time now and
Greta, Emmett, and Hazel have already been
in several of our Children’s Musicals/Christmas Pageants, so it’s wonderful to
“officially” welcome them as members of our church family.
Stacy and Simon were both born in Grand Rapids, but Stacy grew up in Colorado Springs,
later moving to Holland. They met at GVSU and have now lived in Grand Rapids for 15 years.
As is the case with many young families, they take advantage of our family-friendly city and
stay very busy....especially with outdoor activities. Here’s a quick run-down:
Simon - camping, family vacations, soccer, baseball, and almost anything Michigan.
Stacy - yoga, running, books, music, cooking/baking, traveling, Spanish
Greta - ballet, piano, books, arts & crafts, animals, swimming, softball, playing outside,
Spanish
Emmett - soccer, baseball, swimming, Legos, playing outside, Spanish
Hazel - dance, arts & crafts, animals, swimming, playing outside
Sounds like they have a lot of fun, doesn’t it? Luckily for us, they plan to make time for church
activities, too....particularly children and youth programs, community outreach, and ushering.
When asked why they chose East Church, Stacy and Simon wrote:
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We Welcome Our New Members!
Elizabeth Barnum
Elizabeth is an ordained UCC minister who served as an associate minister at Barrington
Congregational Church UCC in Rhode Island before moving to Grand Rapids last summer.
While she is now an associate minister at Fountain Street Church and won’t be able to attend
East Church on Sunday mornings very often, she looks forward to being connected to us in
other meaningful ways, making new friends, and staying connected to the roots of her faith.
Elizabeth lives in the East Hills (Cherry St) area and enjoys the energy of
this revitalized neighborhood. She loves to take long walks with her dog,
travel, dance, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family.
Elizabeth could have joined any of the UCC churches in Grand
Rapids, so of course we’re curious as to why she chose East. Here’s
what she said,
“
East Church offers a number of volunteer opportunities for you to get involved! Whether
you are new or have been here awhile, your spirit of service is needed in a variety of ways...
Ÿ Serving on a church leadership board or committee.
Ÿ Participatimg in worship (greeter, usher, lay liturgist, choir, coffee
hour hostess, etc...)
Ÿ Teaching Sunday School or helping in the nursery.
Ÿ Caring for East Church members through visits, providing meals, or
helping with funeral receptions.
Ÿ Helping with important missions of the church such as IHN, the
Food Pantry, Thrifty Treasure store, the Garden Project, Youth
Mission Trips.
Ÿ Working with the Men's Club or the Garden Club on maintenance
and beautification of the building.
Interested in finding out more? The Board of Membership Care & Growth can help!
Contact Jackie McClure at 616/530-8278 or jakebarns19@gmail.com
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by Kathy Siegenthaler
37th Annual May 4th Hunger Walk Highlights:
This year, East Church was represented by six walkers at
the May 4th, 2014 event, who raised $755.00 for local and
global Hunger Relief programs. Thank you to all who
walked and supported this important service!! – East
Church Team leader, Kathy Siegenthaler.
Guatemala Partnership and May, 2014, Delegation Report:
Members of the SakJa community and delegation sent news and thank yous back to us
recently. First, the SaqJa Education Committee sends great appreciation for the donation of
$850 toward the scholarship fund which sets as a priority support for all primary, basico and
diversificado students in the partnership communities.
Second, the community requested that our Grand Rapids group be
notified of the progress on their Waterfall project which we have been
supporting. The community has built steps into the route down to the
waterfall, leveled the path by the river, built a picnic shelter and plan
to build one more. They leveled an area downstream the waterfall for
a basketball court.
Representative, Kathy Siegenthaler, plans to give a presentation during the year to show
pictures of this progress. We also plan to hear later this year from UCC missionary, Gloria
Vicente Canu, about their work for Peace and Justice in Guatemala. We continue to pray for
strength, courage and perseverance of the SakJa community members and of Gloria and
Santos as they all work to provide a safer, more sustainable Guatemala, that can more
effectively support its own people, and especially its youth who are currently fleeing violence
and lack of economic opportunity..
Micah Center and Immigration Reform Report:
Micah Center has 9 task groups focused on different areas of important social justice advocacy
needs. We are mainly reporting on Immigration Task Group since I, Kathy Siegenthaler, am
involved in this issue most heavily. Remember that we welcome any of you to join us and
participate in any of the nine areas of concerns. I will be communicating the new calendar
of events as the year starts up again in September.
Immigration Reform efforts continue despite the frustrating lack of progress so far to get
Congress to approve some form of relief. Watch out for future events and opportunities to
act to best support youth fleeing their country’s violence as well as families who face
deportation separation after parents have been working and raising families here for years.
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Bill Otten, Stephanie Gingerich
Co-chairs
Mark Your Calendars!
Pilgrim Manor Gala-A note from: Pilgrim Manor
The Pilgrim Manor Foundation is holding its 2014 Annual Gala on Thursday, October 16,
2014 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club from 6:30PM – 8:30PM. Our Annual Gala is the Pilgrim
Manor Foundation’s largest, most popular, and most successful event supporting the
Compassionate Care Fund. This year’s Annual Gala will feature a strolling dinner, silent
auction, cocktails, and music for an audience of over 300 guests.
If East Church would like to donate,
that would be great. In the past, many of the churches have donated themed gift baskets
which have been popular. If you have church members that have access or are willing to
donate the items below please let me know. We were hoping to feature some getaways
such as:
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
a Lakefront cottage for a long weekend or week
Ski Resort access or cottage for ski weekend
College football tickets
Timeshare at a destination location...
We need
auction items!
Gala sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available now. East Church members
interested in donating an auction item or attending the gala should contact Bill Otten at
616-822-4891 or Otten_bill@ieee.org.
Neighbor's In Need-Offering through United Church of Christ
Imagining Another World Where Literacy is No Longer a Concern. This year’s
Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive on October 5, 2014, as part of our World
Communion Sunday observance, will support the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion
throughout the United States. This year’s theme, "Imagining Another World Where Literacy
is No Longer a Concern" connects to the "Reading Changes Lives" justice advocacy initiative
of the UCC, an initiative launched in response to the crippling literacy gap that continues
to be a persistent problem in the United States and abroad. Literacy affects very simple aspects
of our lives, from being able to complete a job application to reading the instructions on a
prescription bottle. In fact, limited literacy skills are a major contributor to poverty and
become a barrier for those marginalized by race and economic status. Your support to the
NIN offering provides funding for this important program as well as other grants. Look for
more information in an upcoming bulletin or you can find out more at
http://www.ucc.org/nin/.
17
Bill Otten, Stephanie Gingerich
Co-chairs
Help needed
Aug 29!
There will be an important meeting of all of the volunteers at Feeding God's
Children on Tuesday, September 9, at 4:30, in the parlors. We will discuss
different ideas for the operation of the pantry. If you have any interest in
being, or becoming a part of this community outreach program, please plan
on attending or notifying Bobbe Horton, bobbehort@aol.com, of your
interest, if you can't attend.
Last week Diane Hansen, Barbara Vietze and I met with the Director of the Baxter
Community Center Pantry, Genika Horton (no relation). Baxter oversees a number of Grand
Rapids pantries. Genika gave us much “food for thought.” Major policy issues will be on the
agenda. We need your input.
Genika talked about our pantry participating in a three-times-yearly food delivery to Baxter.
We would be able to add a substantial amount of food to our pantry, if some able-bodied
volunteers from East could help unload a truck at Baxter and unload those same goods at
East on Friday morning, August 29, starting at 10:00am. Please call Diane Hansen,
454-9083, to help.
Don't forget Feeding America's program to involve families in
contributing to those who are less fortunate than we are. There
is still time to participate in gleaning (picking from local fields
that have been picked once) corn, peaches, apples and other
nutritious fresh fruit and vegetables for our community in need.
If you would like to join gleaners, visit Feeding America's web
site, www.feedingamericawestmichigan.org. Create a profile
and select “Produce Picking at Local Farms” as an interest area.
You will be notified when the next opportunity comes up.
There is no obligation to choose to participate when you are
notified.
Bobbe Horton
18
Michigan Conference United Church of
Christ Annual Meeting
The 2014 annual meeting of the Michigan
Conference of the UCC will be held October 10 and 11 at
The Peoples Church in East Lansing. The keynote speaker will be Nadia Bolz-Weber, a
contemporary pastor and theologian noted for her deep theological convictions and her
unorthodox approach to today’s church. We may send 2 official delegates, and anyone may
register as a guest. Please see Pastor Ruth or Stephanie Gingerich if you are interested in
attending and carpooling. This is a great opportunity to connect with other UCC pastors and
lay people and experience the passion and love we share for God’s church.
Looking Ahead
The Rev. Campbell Lovett, our Michigan Conference UCC minister will be our guest
preacher on October 26. Rev. Lovett as served as conference minister since 2012, coming to
us from Rhode Island. Since arriving in Michigan Campbell has traveled the state meeting
people and becoming familiar with our UCC churches. Plan to be part of worship on October
26 to welcome Rev. Lovett and introduce him to East Congregational United Church of Christ.
Neighbors In Need 2014
General Synod 2015
In June 2015, thousands from across the country (and abroad) will gather for General
Synod 30 in Cleveland, Ohio — the birthplace of the United Church of Christ. Together, we
will discern resolutions of witness, church structure, and function. We will stand up for issues
that demand a faithful witness. And we will join together in worship each day to lift up the
Stillspeaking God.
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/
19
Your Church Cares About You...
Memory Concerns and Cognitive Decline Need Not
Separate You from Your Faith Community
We are a congregation that is Open and Affirming! We have said this often and
have thought about what it means, but there is always more to consider. If you
have not read the Open and Affirming statement lately, we invite you to go to
the last page of this "Herald" or visit our website at eastchurchgr.org and go over
it again. One quote: "We affirm that all members of East Congregational
Church are called to share as fully as they are able in the worship, fellowship and
leadership of our Congregation."
In awareness of the all-encompassing nature of this statement, we want to be
intentional about including and affirming people who have been diagnosed with
cognitive decline – dementia of all types – and their care-partners. We started by
inviting the Alzheimer’s Association of West Michigan to hold their Spring
seven-week program at East Church; followed by making information available
in the church narthex each Sunday and inviting people to leave their names in
the box if they need more information or need to have a listening ear as they
work through their concerns; and now continuing with occasional short
programs for diagnosed people at the church.
We look forward to helping you participate in worship and to finding effective
ways to stay involved in the life of the church. Contact any one of us with
questions or suggestions: Gay Bovee, Nancy Hollowell, Karen Johnson, Sue
Robert, Ann Slade and Pat Stirling. Each of us has participated in training
sessions on the topic: Dementia and Your Faith Community.
20
by Rev. Pat Stirling
peaceful days
just for you...
Like popcorn over a Fall campfire, ideas are popping for Fall programs at Siloam. We are
pleased to announce an expanded leadership team of the following people: Evelyn
Diephouse, Ginny Kelling, Ruth McCarty, Rachelle Oppenhuizen, Ann Slade, Pat Stirling,
and Gale Volkerding. These people are planning two very inviting events and we are all
hoping you will consider putting them on your calendars.
A Fall Quiet Day to be held Saturday, September 27 from 9:00-4:00 at Trillium Acres
in Alto, MI. The cost is $40 and you may see any one of us on the leadership team or contact
SSCgr2@gmail.com so we can save a place for you. Only room for 12 men and women
this year.
Another one of the Embrace the Mystery series to be held Saturday, November 1st at
East Church. The topic will be an exploration of the Enneagram which has become more and
more well-known in recent years. The Enneagram is taught as a technology or system of
human development, self-discovery, spiritual growth and self-actualization. More information
coming very soon. Room for 30 men and women.
It goes almost without saying that we will hold the regular Wednesday evening
“Practice of Meditation” events, every week starting September 3rd at 5:30. This is the sixth
year we have offered this. Come whenever you can, just as you are. No registration needed.
No fee; however donations are always welcomed. Held at East Church in the Siloam Center
room. Questions may be directed to Pat Stirling, Ginny Kelling or Gale Volkerding.
21
East Congregational Church has just registered with Escrip, Meijer, and Shaklee to benefit East
Church. These partnerships allow you to support East Church by redirecting your current
spending on personal care items, household items and entertainment to help the budget at East.
This doesn’t stretch your budget or consume your time and, it will easily help raise money for our
church.
Take the time to register online for one or all of these programs. We can all benefit and help the
East Church budget all year long.
This program requires that you register
your credit card online. A percentage of
your purchase will be given back to East.
Each merchant has a different percentage
value that they give back. There are no
receipts to collect, no vouchers, or
certificates to buy. EVERY PURCHASE
COUNTS. An example of a participating
merchant in our church area is Forest Hills
Foods.
They contribute 2% of your
purchase to East.
Register online at:
www.escrip.com/signup
Need help with Escrip? Contact:
Todd Choura
616-365-2022
Todd.choura@gmail.com
With a linked Meijer credit card, earn 1% ; or with
a cash/pin-based debit card and a swiped Meijer 1
card earn 0.5%. This program is currently linked
to the Food Pantry. This helps to decrease the
portion of the budget for the food pantry.
To registerfor this program, go to this link:
http://www.meijer.com/mcr/choosecard.jsp Sign
up, following the prompts and then go back into
your account to add East Church using this
number - 969977 - and follow the prompts.This
will then direct your purchase percentage to East.
Need help with Meijer Community Awards?
Contact:
Laura Johnson
616-532-1535
22
When you switch brands to Shaklee products, East church earns
points which equate to income. If 50 East families, friends and
other supporters purchased just $50 of product per month, East
Church would earn $942 per month or an easy $11,000 per year.
How can you make a difference? Take the time to register online for one or all of these
programs. We can all benefit and help the East Church budget. If you have any questions or
need help, contact one of the persons listed below. Information will be in the Herald
and
available in the Narthex on Sunday mornings. How to order from Shaklee: 1. Call 1-800SHAKLEE and give the representative our member ID - BT40715. They can assist you with
ordering product. 2. Go online to our website at http://www.ecc.myshaklee.com/; SHOP
and then when you are ready to check out, check out as a guest following the prompts. 3. Call
Laura Johnson and she can help you with your order, 616-532-1535
Kate Austin, Jen Melser
Special thanks to all of the volunteers who took time during the precious
summer months over the first week of August to serve IHN!
Coordinators
Kate Austin
Mary Ann March
Judy McKay
Betsy Rosenbrook
Overnight
Linda Fuzi
Kristen Haas
Bill Otten
Mary Ann March
Dave Sellers
Kathy Siengenthaler
Kim Slupe
Cleaning/Move Out
Dori and Dave Couvreur
Nancy Hollowell
Karen Johnson
Dave LaBotz
Jeff & Ben Mesler
Desksitters
Ann Miller
Amy Harris
Bobbe Horton
Randy & Dorothy Versen
Van
Mary Ann March
Jon March
Truck Driver
Jim Notter
23
Play time
Lu Bertotti
Kris, Todd, Nora & Dillan
Choura
Ruth Fitzgerald
Linda, Elaina & Isabel Fuzi
Jim and Susan MacLean
Becca Johnson
Rachel Johnson
Kim Slupe
Stephanie Slupe
Meals
Mary Brown
Eleanor Bryant
Jim Notter
Dave & Ellen Svoboda
Barbara & Frank Vietze
Have you started a new medication and need help with timing or
recognizing side effects? Just call or click!
Do you need help finding help so you can stay in your home
longer? Just call or click!
Questions about necessary papers regarding your health care?
Just call or click!
Do you need your blood pressure checked occassionally?
Just call or click!
Need someone to listen to you? Just call or click!
Mary Menchinger: 616-452-9429 or emenchin@hotmail.com
Gay Bovee: 616-676-2255 or gdhaven@sbcglobal.net
♥♥
If you or your passenger would benefit from a walker when
entering or leaving church, please drive up to the front of
the church and indicate to the outside greeter that you'd
like to use it. The walker has been donated to church in the
name of Ruth Kitzsteiner.
FLU
SHOT
CLINIC
___________________________________________
Spectrum
Visiting
Nurses
will be
available after
church on
Sunday
Oct. 12
to administer
annual flu
shots.
SEPTEMBER
1
2
3
3
6
7
8
9
11
11
Wendy Pratt
Mary O'Connor
Sarah Palma
John TenHave
Sally Ambrose
Cecelia Toler
Jeff Ammon
Kim Slupe
James Austin
Mary Ann March
12
13
13
13
16
21
21
21
26
29
Jack Zuiderveld
Ed Bolt
Harriet Cox
Christian Palma
Bill Otten
Joy Murray
Harriet Nelson
Mary Pierson
Peter Campbell
Pastor Ruth
24
Don't see your name and your
birthday this month?
Please contact the office at
616-245-0578 so we may put the
correct information
in our database.
Greeters
Sept. 7
14
21
28
Katie Bolt
Jess and Linda Fuzi
Kristen Haas
Kristen Haas
Receptionist
Sept. 7
Mary Ann March
14
21
Judy McKay
28
Gay Bovee
Lay Liturgists
Sept. 7
Allison Van Skiver
14
Kristen Haas
21
28
Soundboard
Sept. 7
14
21
28
Ÿ
Bill Otten
Todd Choura
Dave Postma
Ed Menchinger
Coffee Hour Hosts:
Sept.
7
Rally Sunday
14 Sharon Guild
21 Grace Guild
28 Joy Guild
Ushers:
Head Usher - Jim Pierson
Sept.
7
14
21
28
Dave McCoy, Harold Koorndyk
Anne Miller, Harold Koorndyk
Mike Hansen, Harold Koorndyk
Anne Miller, Harold Koorndyk
25
USHERS NEEDED for 2014-2015:
We are on need of ushers for the
coming. Year. Your smiling face and
willingness to serve are the only
requirements. Please sign up in the
narthex or see Anne Miller.
Laurie Postma, whose mother, Catherine Jolman died on
July 31, 2014. She was 96 years old. A service was held on Aug. 4.
Carol La Botz
Glenn Viening
*photo by Ian Olsen
These members and friends need our prayers...
Juli Scholl
Norma Lamm, who fell last week and was injured. She returned from the hospital
and will remain at the Beacon Hill Mary & Martha Center under Spectrum
hospice care.
Austin and Vargas Families
Joyce Cisco
In Memoriam
East Church member and friend, Ruth M. Nason, age 94, of Grand Rapids, died on Tuesday,
August 5, 2014.
Many East Church members will remember Henrietta DeLoof who died on February 16,
2014. Her family chose not to have a funeral or memorial service, but they gathered together
in our parlors on May 7 to share a lunch and their family memories. Many thanks to Sue
Johnson, Polly McCoy, Peggy Bender, and who provided hospitality.
Subsequent to the luncheon, a generous contribution to the East Church Endowment
was received in memory of Henrietta. Henrietta's lifetime of involvement at East Church will
continue in this support of our future.
Often members and friends of East Church wish to express their
Remembrance of family members and loved ones who have died. One way to do
this is to have the name of a loved one engraved on a memorial slate in our
garden. They also will be honored in the East Church Memory Book located in the
narthex. For information on costs, please contact the office at 245-0578 or
eastchurchgr@gmail.com.
26
East Congregational
MISSION STATEMENT
We minister as a body of believers, by
proclaiming the teachings of Christ and by
humbly serving:
United Church of Christ
At East Church, we're life-long friends, new
friends, family, neighborhood-close, suburb-far,
young, old, single, married, kids, retired, Open
and Affirming, traditional, open-minded...well,
you get the idea. While we can't be "all things to
all people," we like to think that we have much to
offer and can be many things to many people
while still maintaining our relationships with
God. We invite you to spend some time getting
to know us. You may just find you are home.
OPEN
AND
AFFIRMING
Ÿ Our members with compassionate
support through worship, education,
music, visitation and fellowship:
Ÿ Our community by addressing
neighborhood and area needs:
Ÿ Our world by promoting education on
global issues and participating in their
solutions.
We celebrate the diversity of God's creation and affirm that each
person has special worth as a unique creation in God's image. All
are welcome to worship here and to come into relationship with
the church's life and work. We thank God for the blessing, the
challenge, and the joy that we experience in both our unity and our
diversity.
We acknowledge that, historically, many Christian churches and
societies have excluded people for a variety of unjust reasons.
Among these are race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
economic class, physical or mental abilities.
We affirm that all people are embraced with the family of God. We
affirm that the full fellowship of East Congregational Church (all
rights and duties, benefits and responsibilities as defined by our
constitution) is open to all who seek relationship with God through
union with this congregation in Christ. We affirm that all members
of East Congregational Church are called to share as fully as they
are able in the worship, fellowship, and leadership of our
congregation.
As we journey together as a community of faith, we are called by
God to seek justice for all people. We therefore call ourselves to
make a continuing effort toward inclusiveness, standing against all
forms of discrimination. Therefore, we declare ourselves to be an
Open and Affirming congregation.
27
Rev. Ruth Fitzgerald, Pastor
rfitzgerald.eastchurchgr@gmail.com
ext. 208
19
Joel Gary, Music Director and Organist
joel.gary@comcast.net
ext . 210
Allison Van Skiver,
Christian Education Director, Youth Leader
allisonrvs@comcast.net, ext. 207
Margi Derks Peterson, Choir Director
sing120@comcast.net
ext 210
Shelly Maltbie , Office Administrator
eastchurchgr@gmail.com
ext. 201
Curtis Prussner, Custodian
cprussner.eastchurchgr@gmail.com
ext. 205
Mark your Calendars!
Sept. 4
Sept. 7
Sept. 8 & 9
Sept. 9
Sept. 14
Sept. 14
Sept. 14
Sept. 21
Sept. 23 & 30
Sept. 27
Oct. 10 & 11
Oct. 12
Oct. 16
Oct. 17, 18, 19
Nov. 1
Nov. 4
Nov. 9-18
Chancel Choir Rehearsals begin
Rally Sunday and Neighborhood Picnic
& Belize Mission Report to the Congregation
Thrifty Treasures Fall Opening Days 10am-4pm
Council Meeting-Fellowship Hall
Book Club Meeting
Youth/Adult Handbell Choir rehearsals begin
Middle School Youth Group Kick off night
Sr. High Youth Group Kick off night
Food Pantry Open these Tuesdays, 1:00 - 4:30pm
A Fall Quiet Day, SSC
Michigan Conference of the UCC
Flu Shot Clinic
Pilrim Manor Gala
Women's Retreat
Embrace the Mystery-The Enneagram, SSC
Elections at East Church
IHN Rotation
Want to receive an email version of
The East Church Herald every month?
Just go to our website, www.eastchurchgr.org
and click Send me East Church News.
East Congregational
United Church of Christ
1005 Giddings Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 245-0578
(616) 245-4481 fax
e-mail us at eastchurchgr@gmail.com
on the web at www.eastchurchgr.org
Worship with us!
Sundays at 10:30am
THE EAST CHURCH HERALD
is a monthly publication.
The next Herald deadline is noon on the
3rd Wednesday of every month.