Voca Lyrica Holiday Concert

Voca Lyrica, Big Rapids' Premier Women's Choir, under the direction of Ginny Kerwin and accompanied by Michael Shansky, will present their annual Holiday Concert on Monday evening, December 8th, at 7:30pm at the United Church of Big Rapids at 120 S. State Street. Kent Boulton along with a local brass ensemble will share the stage during the festive evening. Tickets are $7 for everyone and can be purchased  at The Old Pioneer Store and Emporium, Patterson's Flowers in Big Rapids and Canadian Lakes, from any Voca Lyrica member, or at the door. Chemical Bank is again a season underwriter for Voca Lyrica. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Come and join the holiday festivities! If you have any questions about tickets, please call Cathy Johnson at 231-250-2216 or email her at mrsladybr@yahoo.com.

Your Church's Financial Health 

Your help is needed.

In New Testament times, Roman law permitted weary foot soldiers to draft any resident of an occupied country to carry the soldier’s pack for one mile.  The law was actually thought to be quite protective of the citizen’s rights, since it limited Caesar’s legions from abusing the common people by forcing them to carry a heavy pack for more than one mile.

Jesus used the practice to illustrate how the Christian spirit differs from conventional culture and wisdom. He is reported to have said, “If any one compels you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles.” (Mt. 5:41)  Jesus turns the law on its head in an unconventional way.  Instead of grudgingly doing as little as one can get away with, he suggests that his followers ought to voluntarily do something more.  Jesus’ statement has become part of the vocabulary of Christian stewardship and giving. ”Second-mile” giving is that offering we give above and beyond the expected.

Friends, in these chaotic and uncertain financial times we are experiencing, your church could use some second mile gifts.  While pledges are pretty much on target with what we expect to have received thus far into the year, our “unpledged” category of giving is somewhat behind. This has resulted in a tight cash flow situation for paying the expenses of the church.  We have had to hold back on paying some of the denominational mission support so that we are now a quarter behind in our scheduled payments to The United Church of Christ and The Presbyterian Church (USA). Recently the Property and Finance Commission and Governing Board authorized Bob Hampson (Treasurer) to withdraw $10,000 from our Trust Funds as a short term loan to ourselves to enhance the cash flow situation.  If this year follows the pattern of previous years, we will catch up in our income and end the church budget year in the black.

There are three things you might do to help.  First, check your giving records to see if you are current with your pledge to the church and if you are not, try to catch up. (We expect third quarter statements to be sent out soon.)  Second, you might consider paying ahead on your pledge as we go into the final months of the year.  Third, if you are able to make a “second-mile” gift above your pledge amount, it would be greatly appreciated.

Pastor Jon – On behalf of Governing Board and the Property & Finance Commission

     Shop with SERRV!!!

           We can help change lives and alleviate poverty around the world by shopping with SERRV International!  Beginning Sunday, November 16^th, handcrafts -- baskets, games, books, jewelry, Christmas gifts and ornaments--will be available for perusal and purchase at Coffee Hour after the service.  Shop and make a world of difference at the same time.  Our purchase of fairly traded handcrafts or foods will help create empowerment, opportunity, and employment for artisans and farmers in 36 countries around the world.

Red Package Christmas Project

It’s that time again - time to start thinking about the annual RED PACKAGE Christmas gift project sponsored by the Mission/Social Action Commission in cooperation with Project Starburst. The gift tags with a child’s name, age, clothing sizes, and interests will be available on the podium located near the entrance to the sanctuary by Sunday, November 2. When you choose and take a gift tag, don’t forget to put your name and the tag number on the sign out sheet. Then, purchase the gift(s) and return them to the church by the deadline of Sunday, December 14.  Do NOT wrap the gifts, but be sure the gift tag is attached. It would be very helpful to Project Starburst, however, if you can include a roll or two or new wrapping paper for them to use. Also, Project Starburst would like to see that each child receives some clothing and a book from their interest list, if you are able to do so. Thank you for helping to make a child’s Christmas brighter!

Decorating for Christmas

The Spiritual Life Commission will get into the Christmas spirit by decorating the church for the Christmas season. We will be trimming the tree, hanging the greens, setting the candles, and placing the poinsettias on Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will need lots of help. Folks of all ages are welcome. Tall folk and those who like ladders are especially cherished. We plan on a couple of hours of work, hopefully ending in pizza or some other fun lunch together. 

Adult Retreat Coming in January

Martha Robertson (formerly Due) is coming to Big Rapids January 16 and 17 to facilitate our Adult Retreat at Camp Brethren. Her topic is “Celtic Spirituality: An Ancient Practice for Our Time.” We will start at 6 pm on Friday and end with dinner at 5 pm on Saturday.  Our Friday program ends at 9 pm with games and jigsaw puzzles following. We have reservations for the night, however, Camp Brethren is close enough that those who prefer to sleep in their own beds could car pool into town after the program and back out for breakfast in the morning.  There is a sign-up sheet on the Cards of Caring table for those who are planning to attend the retreat. The cost will be $30.00 per person. If you have any questions or would like to work on the set-up committee, please contact Jerena.

Stock Donations To the Church  

          If you are planning to give a gift of stock to the church, please contact the church office before doing so. We will gladly provide you with the information needed to transfer the shares directly to our account. This makes the process much easier for all involved. Thank you very much!

THANK  YOU  NOTES  RECEIVED

             Just a short note to thank all of you in our church family for your cards, phone calls and prayers during my recent hospitalization. My recovery is slower than I had hoped for, but it is looking positive. My wife is spoiling me, as usual. Again, all my thanks to Pastor Jon and the rest of my church family.

                                                                                                            Jack Wellnitz

            Wow!  We have just returned from the Soup Supper Benefit that was held in honor of our family's adoption journey to Ethiopia.  What a warm, welcoming, wonderful church family you have.  We feel humbled and blessed by the sincere grace shown to us by the volunteers and by those who attended the evening.  Thank you.  You have truly helped us save the life of a child and have changed the face of her world forever.  Thank you for your love and compassion as you embraced this mission with us.

                                                                                      God's Blessings Upon You,

                                                                                              The Webers

                                                                                              Todd, Janet, Amalia, Jonah and Kayin

Can You Help? 

Spiritual Life Commission is looking for some assistance in the following areas:

1. Pumpkins and gourds - if you have extras to help us decorate the church, please drop them off in the church office by Wednesday, November 12.

2. Picking up the poinsettias - a van is needed to go to Elk Rapids on Dec. 4 or 5 to pick up our poinsettias. If you can provide the van, with or without the driver, please let Jerena know as soon as possible.

Baked Potato Bar Is Coming!

      The youth of the church will be presenting a Baked Potato Bar immediately after church on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16.  Back by popular demand, the Potato Bar features your choice of baked potato with a selection of toppings, salad, beverage and dessert.  A free will donation for the meal will be gratefully accepted, with proceeds going to support the annual Winterfest youth event.  Come hungry – these potatoes make a hearty meal! 

      Please sign up early if you plan to attend.  Sign-up sheets will be available after church services in the weeks leading up to the Potato Bar.  Also, sign-up to bring desserts (cookies and bars) will be done on those dates as well.

Date Changes

The Spiritual Life Commission has had to change the dates for the following events:

Decorating for Thanksgiving - will occur on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 11:00 a.m., instead of Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Decorating for Advent - will occur on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 11:00 a.m., instead of Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:00 a.m.

Please make note of these changes.

Christmas Pageant

        The time is here to begin working on the annual Christmas Pageant, which takes place during the 7:00 p.m. family service on Christmas Eve.  We need children and youth to read, act, sing and play their instruments during the service.  Please let Leslie Daniels know if your family is able to participate (796-6850).

Children’s Movie and Pizza Night

Friday, November 7, 6:00 – 8:30 pm

 The plan for this children’s event is to decorate grocery donation bags for Thanksgiving and,

as you probably guessed, watch a movie and eat pizza.

Youth Group Meeting

Sunday, November 9, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 We’ll have food (French bread pizzas), games and guest speaker, Peter McHugh.

Youth group activities are intended for middle school age and older. Please bring a friend!

          Servers for November 2008

Elder in Charge
Lee Thomas
 

Flowers

Birthdays in November

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This Page Updated November 05, 2008