August 29, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher will be J Albert Gemmen. His sermon, Suppose One Is Lost, will be fromLuke 15:1-7.

The second offering will be for Christian Education.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Dave Balicki.  His sermon, More Than Meets The Eye, will be from 2 Corinthians 4:1-18.

During the service, we will celebrate communion.  If you are worshipping from home, we encourage you to have communion elements ready. You may also stop by the church office during office hours to pick up individually packaged communion kits.

The second offering will be for Faith Promise.

CHURCH FAMILY

Our heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Charles Chelsek who passed away on Tuesday morning.  Please remember Chuck’s family in your prayers.

Irv DeRuischer had a major stroke Wednesday night and is in critical condition.  Please keep both Irv and Tres DeRuischer in your prayers.  

* Prayer Line * 453-2288 *   Our prayer line is always available to take your prayer requests, or to listen to prayer updates.  After the recorded message, you may leave your prayer needs for our intercessors, who will pray for you.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Fall Kick Off 2021!  Join us in celebrating the start of another great year! Cake will be served immediately following the service on September 12th.  Games and Crafts will be set up- kids of all ages are welcome to join the fun! 

Kids Hope wants to treat the teachers with treats! If you are willing to bring a treat (for about 35 people) to Shawmut’s staff room, please sign up at the Welcome Center! 

Thursday evening ladies fall bible study will be starting Sept 9th! We will meet every other week at 6:30pm until November 18th.  We will be using a 6 session Beth Moore study called “Chasing Vines” based on John 15.  Contact Faye Kragt (616-581-8285) with questions or to order books.  We’d love to have you join us!

Join us in celebrating Westend’s 30th Anniversary!  We will meet for lunch at millennium park after the service on September 26th!  Please RSVP if you are able to attend!  There are sign up sheets near the welcome center or online: 

https://forms.gle/3gKD62aKYDMxLY1S9

Divorce Care is a caring group of people who will walk alongside those who are experiencing one of life’s most difficult experiences. The 13-week program is a Christ centered way of navigating through the process of recovery. It includes a video series and workbook featuring experts on divorce.  The cost is $15.  We encourage you to invite friends or family who may be experiencing a divorce or separation to join us. The next class starts Tuesday, September 14, at 6:30 PM in the Cafe.  For more information you can email Deb Stapley (dstapley5@sbcglobal.net ) or go to divorcecare.org

HELP NEEDED!

The AV team is still looking for volunteers. If you might be interested in helping to run sound, do slides or video please contact one of the 2 leaders: Micah Graybill or Jeremy Marsman.

We still really need volunteers for both nursery and Children’s Ministry!  Please sign up in Planning Center or at the Welcome Center for a Sunday if you are able! 

CHURCH CENTER

Did you know Westend has a mobile app?  Our new mobile app allows you to give online, check-in for Nursery/Children’s Ministry, and stay up to date on the latest Westend happenings!  

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Westview Senior Fellowship would like to invite seniors to join us for a fun filled day to Frakenmuth, MI on Sept 30, 2021.  We will be leaving Westview at 8:45am and returning early evening.  We will enjoy a chicken lunch at Zehnder’s followed by a concert “A Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel”. We will have some time after to shop! Cost is $80– this includes round trip transportation, coffee break, lunch, concert and shopping.  If interested please contact Mary at Westview church office (453-3105).

For Rent: Beautiful 2 bedroom apt for rent in Walker.  Close to church.  Call Cliff or Huddy at 453-1984.

Calling all vintage car and truck owners! Please join us on Saturday October 2, 2021 for the WSCS Car Hop.  Don’t have a show car/truck?  Please come out and view the many that will be on display while enjoying freshly grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats.  To register your vehicle and for more information, go to:  https://one.bidpal.net/carhop/welcome

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

TODAY, August 29th

Volunteers are needed for both Nursery and Children’s Ministry this week!

Audio/Visual:

Slides- Micah Graybill

Sound-  

Video- Ryan Faber

NEXT WEEK, September 5th

Volunteers are needed for both Nursery and Children’s Ministry this week! 

Audio/Visual:

Slides-  

Sound- Linda Vanderlaan

Video- Matt Falk

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Offerings        8/1 – 8/22       wkly goals 

Ministries        $15,761        $12,228

Chr Ed            $2,080           $1,308

Faith Prm       $4,065

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 8/29

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –9/1

   6:30 AM Men’s Bible Study  

   1:00 PM   Cafe

NEXT SUNDAY – 9/5

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

August 22, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher will be Josh Harrison from Audio Scripture Ministries. His sermon will be from Colossians 3:16-17.

The second offering will be for Matthews House.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Albert Gemmen.

The second offering will be for Christian Education.

CHURCH FAMILY

David, Sara and Sylvia Riley welcomed baby Benton Ray on July 13th.  He was 6 pounds 6 ounces, 19.25 inches long.  Everyone is adjusting and doing well!

We thank you for all your concern, thoughts & prayers during Al’s recent bought with covid.  We appreciate our Westend Family’s love during our time of illness affecting most of our family.  Almost all are doing better!  We felt the power of prayers! God is SO good! -The Hoekzema’s

* Prayer Line * 453-2288 * 

Our prayer line is always available to take your prayer requests, or to listen to prayer updates.  After the recorded message, you may leave your prayer needs for our intercessors, who will pray for you.

STAY CONNECTED! 

Our new mobile app allows you to give online, check-in for Nursery & Children’s Ministry, and stay up to date on the latest Westend news! Please follow the steps below to get started:

1. Download the “Church Center” app
   • iPhone/iPad
   • Android
2. Open the Church Center app and find our church.
   • Search the church by entering the zip code “49534”
   • Select the “Westend Christian Reformed Church” logo
3. Log into Church Center
   • Enter your mobile number or email and then click “Next”
   • Enter the verification code sent to your phone or email
4. You’re now logged into the Church Center app!!

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children’s Ministry will be available again starting this Sunday (8/22)!  Children ages 3 years – 2nd grade will be dismissed during the service to head downstairs!

We still really need volunteers for both nursery and Children’s Ministry!  Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able!

Our Children’s Ministry Kickoff will be Sunday September 12th in the Fellowship Center immediately following worship.  Kids of all ages are welcome to join the fun!  

Join us in celebrating Westend’s 30th Anniversary!  We will meet for lunch at millennium park after the service on September 26th!  Please RSVP if you are able to attend!  There are sign up sheets near the welcome center or you can RSVP online: https://forms.gle/3gKD62aKYDMxLY1S9

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Westview Senior Fellowship would like to invite seniors to join us for a fun filled day to Frakenmuth, MI on Sept 30, 2021.  We will be leaving Westview at 8:45am and returning early evening.  We will enjoy a chicken lunch at Zehnder’s followed by a concert “A Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel”. We will have some time after to shop! Cost is $80– this includes round trip transportation, coffee break, lunch, concert and shopping.  If interested please contact Mary at Westview church office (453-3105). 

For Rent: Beautiful 2 bedroom apt for rent in Walker.  Close to church.  Call Cliff or Huddy at 453-1984.

Calling all vintage car and truck owners! Please join us on Saturday October 2, 2021 for the WSCS Car Hop.  Don’t have a show car/truck?  Please come out and view the many that will be on display while enjoying freshly grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats.  To register your vehicle and for more information, go to:  https://one.bidpal.net/carhop/welcome

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 8/22

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

9:45 AM  Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –8/25

   6:30 AM Men’s Bible Study  

   1:00 PM   Cafe

THURSDAY –8/26

  9:30 AM   Knit & Crochet

NEXT SUNDAY – 8/29

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

9:45 AM  Morning Worship

August 15, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher is Zack Olson from CRCNA.  His sermon, Overcoming Evil with Good will be from 2 Kings 6:8-23. 

The second offering will be for Wedgewood Christian Services.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Josh Harrison from Audio Scripture Ministries. 

The second offering will be for Matthews House.

CHURCH FAMILY

There are so many moving parts to the back to school festival and we are so thankful for Westend Church and the many supplies and backpacks you continue to donate each year!  We couldn’t do this day without the many volunteers who show up early to set up, get food ready, play games with the kids, cut hair, serve people through Feeding America, and just spend time talking and loving on the students and their families. 

We had 350 people show up to the back to school festival Thursday night!  We were able to able to give out 230 backpacks with school supplies, approximately 30 haircuts and 90 families received food from the Feeding America Truck!

So a huge THANK YOU to each one of you who helped out again this year!

AN UPDATE FROM AD BOARD

Our focus has been to find staff members for all the open positions.  After several months, many interviews, and a lot of prayer, we are pleased to announce the following new staff members:

Pastor Dan Kroeze, Preaching and Teaching Pastor.  Pastor Dan has met with staff and is in preparation for his first sermon on Sept 12th.

Pastor Brian Myers, Congregational Life and Youth Pastor.  Pastor Brian had an official start date of July 1st, however, he has been filling this role since March.

Julie Stuckhardt, Administrator. Julie will officially start on August 23rd, and is currently working with Jim Goote to make the transition.

Kristen Worst and Rachael Stapley, Worship Directors.  Kristen will be stepping back into this role and will be mentoring Rachael as they work together in this position.  They will officially start August 23rd.

We would also like to thank Jan Haffer for stepping in as interim worship director and Jim Goote as he filled in as Administrator.  When you see them, please express your gratitude for the services they have provided!

We feel God has provided Westend Church with great staff and we are looking forward to the start of our program year.

Doug Stapley

Moderator

* Prayer Line * 453-2288 * Our prayer line is always available to take your prayer requests, or to listen to prayer updates.  After the recorded message, you may leave your prayer needs for our intercessors, who will pray for you.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Nursery is available for kids 0-4 years old.  There are actives set up in the Fellowship Center for families to use during the service.

We are still in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

Did your mailbox move?  We are excited that new members are coming to Westend!  In order to add new names to our mailboxes, some existing names have shifted, so please look closely when you take your mail this week!

The cadet season will begin soon! If you would be willing to join us as a counselor or even just a helper please contact Ryan Faber ASAP! Westendcadets@gmail.com or 616-304-5329

Everyone is invited to join the Sunday morning prayer time group at 9:15am in the cafe to pray for the worship service, the congregation, and other concerns.  We pray simultaneously, quietly bringing our petitions and praises to God in a concert of prayer.  Feel free to check it out at any time.  Contact Arla Thomasma with questions.

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 8/15

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –8/18

  1:00 PM   Cafe

NEXT SUNDAY – 8/22

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

August 8, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher is Jim Harrison.  His sermon, PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens! will be from Luke 18:1-8  

The second offering will be for Christian Education.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Zack Olson from CRCNA. 

The second offering will be for Wedgewood Christian Services.

CHURCH FAMILY

Please keep Al Hoekzema in your prayers as he has been diagnosed with covid- this is especially concerning because he has a chronic condition called pulmonary fibrosis which causes scarring of his lungs.

Thank you for all of the expressions of sympathy after my mother Phyllis Lehrke passed away.   Your thoughts, prayers and cards were very much appreciated. Her funeral is scheduled for 10-4-21 in her home town of Crosby MN where she will be tucked in next to my Dad. -Karen & Bill Winegar

* Prayer Line * 453-2288 * Our prayer line is always available to take your prayer requests, or to listen to prayer updates.  After the recorded message, you may leave your prayer needs for our intercessors, who will pray for you.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Did your mailbox move?  We are excited that new members are coming to Westend!  In order to add new names to our mailboxes, some existing names have shifted, so please look closely when you take your mail this week!

Nursery is available for kids 0-4 years old.  There are actives set up in the Fellowship Center for families to use during the service.

We are still in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

We will be holding a soundboard training for everyone who runs the sound board (even if only occasionally) to learn.  Join us this Tuesday, August 10th @ 7pm.  Please let Micah Graybill or the office know if you are planning to attend so we can plan accordingly.

The backpack festival is Thursday, August 12th.  Many volunteers are still needed!  Sign up sheets are near the mailboxes- please sign up if you can!  

We are still in need of the following school supplies for the backpack festival: Crayons, markers, folders, 2 pk glue sticks, wide paper and colored pencils!  There is a tote located near the mailboxes for donations! 

The cadet season will begin soon! If you would be willing to join us as a counselor or even just a helper please contact Ryan Faber ASAP! Westendcadets@gmail.com or 616-304-5329

Cadet parents, information will be going out soon letting you know about the 2021-2022 season! Looking forward to a fun full year with the cadets!

Everyone is invited to join the Sunday morning prayer time group at 9:15am in the cafe to pray for the worship service, the congregation, and other concerns.  We pray simultaneously, quietly bringing our petitions and praises to God in a concert of prayer.  Feel free to check it out at any time.  Contact Arla Thomasma with questions.

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 8/8

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

MONDAY –8/9

  7:00 PM   Ad Board

TUESDAY –8/10

  7:00 PM   Soundboard Training

WEDNESDAY –8/11

  1:00 PM   Cafe

THURSDAY –8/12

  9:30 AM   Knit & Crochet

  5:00 PM   Backpack Festival

NEXT SUNDAY – 8/15

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

August 1, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher Micah Manore will bring us a message titled “Daniels Faith” from Daniel 6:1-23.

During the service, we will celebrate communion.  If you are worshipping from home, we encourage you to have communion elements ready. You may also stop by the church office during office hours to pick up individually packaged communion kits.

The second offering will be for Faith Promise. 

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Jim Harrison.  His sermon, PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens! will be from Luke 18:1-8  

The second offering will be for Christian Education.

CHURCH FAMILY

The cookies today are in memory of Phyllis Lehrke, who would have turned 86 on August 3rd. She was a cookie monster and Oatmeal Raisin were her favorites!

* Prayer Line * 453-2288 *. Our prayer line is always available to take your prayer requests, or to listen to prayer updates.  After the recorded message, you may leave your prayer needs for our intercessors, who will pray for you.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Nursery is available for kids 0-4 years old.  There are actives set up in the Fellowship Center for families to use during the service.

We are still in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

We will be holding a soundboard training for everyone who runs the sound board (even if only occasionally) to learn on August 10th @ 7pm.  Please let Micah Graybill or the office know if you are planning to attend so we can plan accordingly.

The backpack festival is Thursday, August 12th.  Many volunteers are still needed!  Sign up sheets are near the mailboxes- please sign up if you can!  Many school supplies are also needed and appreciated – backpacks, papers, pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks and scissors.  Time to watch for those back-to-school specials that are starting!

The cadet season will begin soon! If you would be willing to join us as a counselor or even just a helper please contact Ryan Faber ASAP! Westendcadets@gmail.com or 616-304-5329

Cadet parents, information will be going out soon letting you know about the 2021-2022 season! Looking forward to a fun full year with the cadets! 

LOST & FOUND: Is your child missing their pillow after the mission trip? We have it in the office! Are you missing a pair of glasses?  

We have an unclaimed pair of brown glasses in the office!  

Contact Nichole in the office to claim either item!

There are many opportunities to serve the Lord at Westend Church – no matter your skill set.  Check out the opportunities below and playfully consider what area would be best for you to plug into! Outreach Ministry: Do you have a heart for serving people around the world, right from your own home? This is a great opportunity for a person or group of people to serve our congregation and help us reach out to the world beyond our neighborhood. Main responsibility: Mission Emphasis Week and coordinating Faith Promise. If you have questions or are interested, please email/text/call Michelle Falk, or Nichole in the office.  
Congregational Life Ministry: Do you have a gift for bringing people together? Do you love planning events? Does talking with people and making them feel involved fill your bucket? Maybe you have a great idea for a congregational life event? Consider volunteering some time for this ministry. This is a great role for a group of people to share. Main responsibilities: Organize one-time (or ongoing) events throughout the year that build community within our congregation. Schedule people to make and serve coffee. If you have questions or are interested, please email/text/call Michelle Falk, or Nichole in the office.
GEMS, Cadets, and Sunday morning youth ministries: The youth of our church and community are active and involved! Deb Kok, Ryan Faber, Alisha Myers, and Brian Myers are always interested in talking with people who feel a pull toward volunteering with our youth programs. Please contact:    Deb Kok if you’re interested in GEMS on Wednesday nights.     Ryan Faber if you’re interested in Cadets on Wednesday nights.     Alisha Meyers if you’re interested in Sunday morning youth programs (nursery, children’s church, Sunday school)    Brian Meyers if you’re interested in JROCK or LIFE 

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 8/1

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –8/4

  1:00 PM   Cafe

NEXT SUNDAY – 8/8

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Offerings        7/1 – 7/18        wkly goals 

Ministries        $26,374.29         $12,228

Chr Ed            $3,320.23           $1,308

July 25, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher is Albert Gemmen.  His message, titled Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled, will be from John 13:33-14:14.  

During the service new elders and deacons will be installed.

The second offering will be for Mission India.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Micah Manore.  

During the service, we will celebrate communion.  If you are worshipping from home, we encourage you to have communion elements ready. You may also stop by the church office during office hours to pick up individually packaged communion kits.

The second offering will be for Faith Promise.

CHURCH FAMILY

The new elders and deacons are being installed today.  Here are the new care groups:

Elder                Deacon

1  Teresa Wyngarden, Mike Koning

2  Geoff Cleveland, Dave Koets

3  Adam Veltema, Nick Curnow

4  Faye Kragt,Tony Arsulowicz

5  Deb Stapley, April Myles

6  Dick Heys, Lois Kuiper-Heys

7  Randy Smits

8  Dave Bustraan, Renee Maat

9  Ben Cleveland, David Riley

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Nursery is available for kids 0-4 years old.  There are actives set up in the Fellowship Center for families to use during the service.

We are still in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

The backpack festival is Thursday, August 12th.  Many volunteers are needed!  Sign up sheets are near the mailboxes- please sign up if you can!  Many school supplies are also needed and appreciated – backpacks, papers, pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks and scissors.  Time to watch for those back-to-school specials that are starting!

There are postcards for the backpack festival located at the Welcome Center, if you know someone who would want to come, please feel free to grab a postcard for them! 

CEMC will meet on Tuesday, July 27 @ 7:00 PM  in the church office conference room.

Middle schoolers: join us for an evening at Craigs Cruisers this Tuesday!  We will meet at the church at 4pm.  Cost is $20 & includes a pizza buffet, 4 actives and $5 arcade credits.

India is experiencing a devastating second surge of COVID -19 and the reports from the field have been heart breaking. The most vulnerable families are facing starvation in addition to the deadly virus along with job loss.

Mission India has restarted its relief efforts and they have already distributed Relief Kits to over 114,000 families throughout India. The Relief Kits include enough food to feed a family of 4 for 4 weeks. Food included is based on the region within India, but in general, lentils, rice, oil, and milk powder were provided. The Relief Kits also have medicine such as fever reducers and vitamins.

This situation has moved the Deacons to commit $2,000 as a matching fund for contributions given to this effort in special gifts during the last three weeks of July. A gift of $40 will provide for two families of 4 for 4 weeks – will you help them?

Please pray for India’s people and pray they come to know Jesus!

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 7/25

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

9:45 AM Morning Worship

TUESDAY –7/27

  4:00 PM   JROCK: 

                Craigs Cruisers  

  7:00 PM   CEMC Meeting

WEDNESDAY –7/28

  1:00 PM   Cafe

  7:00 PM   Council Meeting  

NEXT SUNDAY – 7/25

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

9:45 AM Morning Worship

July 18, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher is Cody Statema.  He will bring us a message from Philippians 3:1-16.

The second offering will be for Mission India.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Albert Gemmen.  His message, titled Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled, will be from John 13:33-14:14

The second offering will be for Mission India.

CHURCH FAMILY

Dear Westend family, 

Thank-you so much for the many expressions of sympathy we have received on the Home-going of our Dad, Roger Vander Velde.  Your cards, your hugs, your prayers, and your presence have smoothed the journey of the earthly passing of Dad.  He loved our Lord, lived his life in appreciation of the beauty of our Savior and Creator, and cherished each one of us who touched his life in some way.  Although we miss him deeply, we rejoice with all who will be some day be reunited in the glory of His presence.  Love to you.  Jim and Debbie Kok

Friday afternoon a group of 30 sr high students and leaders left our parking lot for their mission trip to Colorado.  Please keep this group in your prayers asking God for safety & that He will work in powerful ways during this trip!

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

The office will be closed this week (7/19 – 7/23)

The backpack festival is Thursday, August 12th.  Many volunteers are needed!  Sign up sheets are near the mailboxes- please sign up if you can!  Many school supplies are also needed and appreciated – backpacks, papers, pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks and scissors.  Time to watch for those back-to-school specials that are starting!

There are postcards for the backpack festival located at the Welcome Center, if you know someone who would want to come, please feel free to grab a postcard for them! 

Just a reminder: There will be no Children’s Worship for July or August.  Nursery will still be available!  We are still in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

CEMC will meet on Tuesday, July 27 @ 7:00 PM in the church office conference room.

We’re hiring!  Westend is currently accepting applications for the Admin and Worship Director jobs.  The job description and more details can be found on our website!

India is experiencing a devastating second surge of COVID -19 and the reports from the field have been heart breaking. The most vulnerable families are facing starvation in addition to the deadly virus along with job loss.

Mission India has restarted its relief efforts and they have already distributed Relief Kits to over 114,000 families throughout India. The Relief Kits include enough food to feed a family of 4 for 4 weeks. Food included is based on the region within India, but in general, lentils, rice, oil, and milk powder were provided. The Relief Kits also have medicine such as fever reducers and vitamins.

This situation has moved the Deacons to commit $2,000 as a matching fund for contributions given to this effort in special gifts during the last three weeks of July. A gift of $40 will provide for two families of 4 for 4 weeks – will you help them?

Please pray for India’s people and pray they come to know Jesus!

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 7/18

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –7/21

  1:00 PM   Cafe  

 THURSDAY –7/22

  9:30 AM   Knit & Crochet  

NEXT SUNDAY – 7/25

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

July 11, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher is Dave Balicki.  His message, The Spirit of Truth, is from 1 John 4:1-6.

The second offering will be for Mission India.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Cody Statema.  He will bring us a message from Philippians 3:1-16.

The second offering will be for Mission India.

CHURCH FAMILY

Dear family and friends,

 Thank you so much for your prayers. I have made a full recovery and am out of quarantine as of today! It was such a wonderful day of being able to be out and about and be with those I love. I have learned that isolation is a very hard thing. I know that many of you already learned that early on in COVID, but it was something I had not yet experienced with being on a compound during shut-down with over 70 other people. Today, I was so happy just to  “be” with people. I am so thankful to God for healing and life. I am so thankful for you! Thanks again for your concern and prayers. God is so good!  Love, Christie

Dear Westend Church family,

Thank you for the love that you have shown to our sister Marjorie Tuit during the years in which she was incapacitated. Our family spent many pleasant hours with her reading the cards that you sent. We spent time talking together about what we recalled about each one of you. 

Last March at the start of COVID, Marj passed away. We felt it wise to postpone her memorial until a safer time. You are invited to join us at a service of memorial in her memory on Thursday, July 22, at the Church of the Saviour, 180 68th St, Coopersville, MI. Visitation will be from 2:30-3:00 pm and the service will commence at 3:00.

Sincerely, Nick and Nancy Tuit, John and Karen Kaashoek, John and Linda Tuit

This weekend we have a group of 30 Sr high Students & adults leaving for our mission trip to Colorado.  Those going on the trip are: Brendan Ashton, Gabbi Ashton, Avery Braman, Lexi Cappendyk, Keegan Kempker, Brianna Milanowski, Kyleigh Mouw, Selah Oosterheert, Lucas Quigley, Kaylee Rodenhouse, Kayleigh Seeley, Hannah Terrell, Isabel Thomasma, Anna VanHeulen, Bennett Veltema, Anika VerBeek, Lilly Weesies, Kelly Johnson, Brianna Deppe, Roger & Sue Mellema, Brian Myers, Nichole Quigley, Emily Scheidel, Ginger Shaw, Mike Terrell, Carl & Jane VandePol, Dan VanderMolen.  Please keep this group in your prayers asking God for safety & that He will work in powerful ways.  

We would love to have a prayer partner for each of the people going on the mission trip!  There is a sign up sheet at the Welcome Center, as well as an online sign up sheet if you are interested.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DADAC2FA7F58-prayer

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Just a heads up! The church office will be closed July 19-23!

The backpack festival is Thursday, August 12th.  Many volunteers are needed!  Sign up sheets are at the Welcome Center- please sign up if you can!  Many school supplies are also needed and appreciated – backpacks, papers, pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks and scissors.  Time to watch for those back-to-school specials that are starting!

Just a reminder: There will be no Children’s Worship for July or August.  Nursery will still be available!  We are in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to!

We’re hiring!  Westend is currently accepting applications for the Admin and Worship Director jobs.  The job description and more details can be found on our website!

India is experiencing a devastating second surge of COVID -19 and the reports from the field have been heart breaking. The most vulnerable families are facing starvation in addition to the deadly virus along with job loss.  Mission India has restarted its relief efforts and they have already distributed Relief Kits to over 114,000 families throughout India. The Relief Kits include enough food to feed a family of 4 for 4 weeks. Food included is based on the region within India, but in general, lentils, rice, oil, and milk powder were provided. The Relief Kits also have medicine such as fever reducers and vitamins.  This situation has moved the Deacons to commit $2,000 as a matching fund for contributions given to this effort in special gifts during the last three weeks of July. A gift of $40 will provide for two families of 4 for 4 weeks – will you help them?  Please pray for India’s people and pray they come to know Jesus!

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 7/11

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

MONDAY –7/12

  7:00 PM   Ad Board Meeting

WEDNESDAY –7/14

  1:00 PM   Cafe  

NEXT SUNDAY – 7/18

   9:15 AM  Prayer Time

  9:45 AM   Morning Worship

July 4, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher Micah Manore will bring us a message from Daniel 3.

During the service, we will celebrate communion.  If you are worshipping from home, we encourage you to have communion elements ready. You may also stop by the church office during office hours to pick up individually packaged communion kits. 

The second offering will be for Faith Promise.

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be David Balicki.  His sermon, The Spiritual Truth, is from 1 John 4:1-6

The second offering will be for Mission India.

CHURCH FAMILY

We offer our condolences to Deb Kok and her family in the death of her father on Wednesday.  Please keep them in your prayers during this time.

We would also like to offer our condolences to Karen Winegar and her family in the death of her mother, Phyllis Lehrke.  Please keep them in your prayers.  

The flowers in the front of church today are in memory of Phyllis Lehrke.

Thank you for your prayers! Christie VanKuiken has been fever free for over 2 days now and is very thankful that she was able to breath the whole time.  Prayers for continued healing, strength and a regained appetite.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Just a reminder: There will be no Children’s Worship for July or August.  Nursery will still be available!

We are in need of volunteers for the nursery! Please sign up for a Sunday if you are able to! 

Sign ups for volunteers for the backpack festival will be located at the Welcome Center starting next week!  Please sign up if you can help out! 

We’re hiring!  Westend is currently accepting applications for the Admin and Worship Director jobs.  The job description and more details can be found on our website!

The backpack festival is set for Thursday, August 12th.  If you see any sales on school supplies, feel free to pick some up!  Some ideas of items we are in need of are: backpacks, pencils/pens, crayons, markers, folders, glue stick, and scissors.  There is a bin near the mailboxes for donations.

India is experiencing a devastating second surge of COVID -19 and the reports from the field have been heart breaking. The most vulnerable families are facing starvation in addition to the deadly virus along with job loss.

Mission India has restarted its relief efforts and they have already distributed Relief Kits to over 114,000 families throughout India. The Relief Kits include enough food to feed a family of 4 for 4 weeks. Food included is based on the region within India, but in general, lentils, rice, oil, and milk powder were provided. The Relief Kits also have medicine such as fever reducers and vitamins.

This situation has moved the Deacons to commit $2,000 as a matching fund for contributions given to this effort in special gifts during the last three weeks of July. A gift of $40 will provide for two families of 4 for 4 weeks – will you help them?  Please pray for India’s people and pray they come to know Jesus!

DIRECTORY UPDATES

HUDSON, Len & Deb

O-11823 Brisben Lane

Grand Rapids, MI 49534

VISSER, Dave & Pam

11530 Wake Dr

Allendale, MI 49401

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Offerings        6/14 – 6/30          wkly goals 

Ministries        $36,627.73           $12,228

Chr Ed            $1,639                  $1,308

As many of you have heard from the finance committee, giving has been down throughout the whole pandemic but more recently specific to the second the collection. While the second collections can be minimal, whatever is collected is critical to the organizations we support.  We understand the desire for privacy when giving, and there is only one box for the second collection, so the deacons will be adding another collection box specifically for the second collection.  The deacons will be discussing the future of passing the collection plates again later this summer, however, in the meantime we would encourage the congregation to support our ministries either through the collection boxes, electronic funds transfer (information available through the office), through your PayPal account, the church website (giving button at the bottom), or by using the QR code found on the bulletin.  This QR code will take you to the WestEnd PayPal giving page. Please use the “Add a note” section to share your preferred distribution of your total giving. 

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 7/4

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

WEDNESDAY –7/7

  1:00 PM   Cafe  

THURSDAY –7/8

  9:30 AM   Knit & Crochet

NEXT SUNDAY – 7/11

   9:15 AM Prayer Time

   9:45 AM   Morning Worship

June 27, 2021

TODAY

This Sunday our guest preacher will be Doug Vrieland.  His message, The Sacrifice of a Son, will be from Genesis 22:1-18.

The second offering will be for Hope Unexpected. 

NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday our guest preacher will be Micah Manore.  

The second offering will be for Faith Promise.

CHURCH FAMILY

Please continue to pray for Phyllis Lehrke and Bill & Karen Winegar.  Phyllis was placed in hospice care last Tuesday.  She understands what is going on and seems to be doing ok but tires quickly.

Please keep Christie VanKuiken in your prayers as she has COVID.  Pray that her oxygen levels continue to stay good and that her symptoms will not get critical.  She is the only missionary on the compound and there are many things she needs to do to keep things running while trying to get the rest she needs to get better.

Congrats to Mike and Nikki Koning, who were blessed with a baby girl last Sunday.  They named her Emerson Nicole.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those who sent a card or a message after Ken’s sudden death.  Your words of comfort and your prayers have been so meaningful during this difficult time.  Ken would have turned 80 years old in October, so we have decided to have a celebration of his life after church near the end of October.  In lieu of flowers, any donations to His Place ministries would be deeply appreciated.  Thank you once again for all your love and prayers. – Lois Blake

We would like to thank all retiring Council members.  They are: Larry Meringa, Dave Offringa, Larry Maat, Barry Ruiter, Mary Ouwinga Stephanie Payton, Micah Graybill and Kyle VanStrien.

NOTES FROM COUNCIL

As most of you are aware, we have been having consistent issues with sound and livestreaming on Sunday mornings.  We have a team of members who are actively working to overcome these issues.  At this time, we are asking for the congregation’s patience as we try to learn how to manage an AV system that is very complex.

Ad Board is currently working on the job descriptions for Pastor Dan and Brian’s new positions.  We are planning on Dan beginning preaching and teaching in September, but we do not yet have a specific date.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

This Monday some of our Kids Hope students will be heading off to Camp Geneva.  Please pray that they have a good week this week!

Just a reminder: There will be no Children’s Worship for July or August.  Nursery will still be available.

We’re hiring!  Westend is currently accepting applications for the Admin and Worship Director jobs.  The job description and more details can be found on our website!

The backpack festival is set for Thursday, August 12th.  If you see any sales on school supplies, feel free to pick some up!  Some ideas of items we are in need of are: backpacks, pencils/pens, crayons, markers, folders, glue stick, and scissors.  There is a bin near the mailboxes for donations.

Are you looking for opportunities to volunteer in the community? We have a VIS friend who is looking for someone to take him shopping at Meijer (Standale) every couple of weeks for the next six months. There are also people who just need groceries dropped off at their door (they pay for the groceries). Please Reach out to Renee Maat if you are interested.

THIS WEEK

TODAY – 6/27

  9:15 AM   Prayer Time          

  9:40 AM      Morning Worship

MONDAY –6/38

  7:00 PM   Backpack Festival 

                 Meeting

WEDNESDAY –6/30

  1:00 PM   Cafe  

NEXT SUNDAY -7/4

  9:15 AM   Prayer Time          

  9:40 AM   Morning Worship

Save the date! Sunday Sept. 26th we will be having a church picnic at Millennium Park to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! 

Do you have pictures or fun memories from the church merger & beyond?  Send them to us!  office@westendcrc.org