Needed: Administrative Assistant

At FCC, we’ve been blessed with a number of long-term staff members.  Some of us have served on staff for over a decade.  One area where we’ve struggled in the last few years is our administrative assistant.  We’ve come to see just how important this position is in representing the church, supporting staff, and keeping things moving forward.  

Once again, we are looking for a new administrative assistant.  In the meantime, Annika Hauser-Brydon is helping us out on a temporary basis (Thanks, Annika!).  It’s a half-time position that offers competitive pay, a great staff team, and some flexibility.  It also serves a wonderful community of people!  Here’s how you can help.  First, spread the word.  If you’re seeing this on Facebook or Instagram, share it.  If you’re getting this in our Connections email, forward it to anyone who might be interested.  Second, the most important thing you can do is pray.  Pray that God brings us the right person at the right time.  Click here to see the complete job description, qualifications, and expectations.

Super Bowl Religion

Each year it seems the Super Bowl gets bigger.  It has become more of an event than a football game.  And not just in New Orleans or whatever city it is played in.  There is a Super Bowl party in every tenth household.  For many people, this is the only football game they watch all year.  Except that they aren’t really watching the game.  Mostly, people are catching up with old friends or making new ones.  Perhaps the only time they bother to look at the TV is for the commercials and the halftime show.  More than a football game, it’s a chance to make the weekend last one more night.

I recognize that a life of faith can deteriorate into a Super Bowl Sunday.  Instead of making a relationship with Christ the main thing, we can get caught up in the fellowship, the music, or the positive environment.  In a free society like ours, there is a lot of icing on the cake of faith.  We are free to enjoy the fringe benefits.  But we must never mistake the commercials for the game.  The good parts of our faith can never replace the best part - the new life we have in Jesus and the abiding relationship we have with him. 

What Are You Praying For?

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1)

What are you praying for these days?  What is the request or requests that, when you go to God in prayer, you find yourself faithfully praying?  Perhaps you're praying for the salvation of a friend or family member?  Maybe you are praying for a relationship in your life that needs mending.  You might be praying for God to do something big for you - a new job, a relationship, a pregnancy, a breakthrough.

Here’s what I want to tell you about that: Don’t give up!  Keep praying!  Even if you’ve prayed for something hundreds of times, pray hundreds more.  God hears our prayers every time we pray.  He answers our prayers according to his divine timing and wisdom.  So keep praying.  And if you’ve given up on a petition or lost hope in a request you’ve made, why not pick it up again?  Tell God what you need.  Tell him what you want.  God always hears our prayers and he always answers with the greatest “YES” - even if that “yes” isn’t exactly what we are praying for.

Built on the Rock

It’s not immediately visible as you walk into our sanctuary.  But behind the communion table and the cross, there is a large concrete pier.  While the whole chancel (stage) is covered with brick, this pier was left as plain concrete in order to present as a rock.  This “rock” extends many feet below ground level, and for good reason.  All the weight of the sanctuary rests on this rock.  The ceiling beams are tied into a series of vertical beams that rest on this massive concrete pier.

It is a symbol that Ferrysburg Community Church is built on the Rock who is Jesus our Lord.  Our church isn’t built on the talent of musicians or preachers.  FCC is built on Jesus, nothing less than his blood and righteousness.  Every Sunday when we come to worship, we are standing on Christ the solid rock.  Anything other than him - all other ground - is sinking sand.

From MLK's Last Speech

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind.

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!

And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!

Communion Vessels

On the third Sunday of every month, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in our worship service.  People come forward and receive a cube of bread and a small cup of juice - the body and blood of Christ.  The vessels we use to celebrate communion have a unique backstory.  FCC member Bud Muyskens felt that the traditional silver communion trays and cups just didn’t fit in our sanctuary aesthetically.  He wanted something more earthy and fitting for our colors and architecture.  In the mid 1990s, Bud commissioned the creation of a new set of communion vessels.  These were designed and produced by Calvin University Art professor, Carl Huisman.

Each vessel is decorated with a cross.  If you look closely you can see the outline of a person on that cross.  It is almost as if we are looking at the cross of Christ from behind.  This reminds us that in communion, we are proclaiming the death of Christ until he returns.  We still use the plates each month in our communion service.  Since Covid, we no longer use the chalices for intinction, but have gone back to the small cups.  This unique pottery continues to facilitate our communion with Christ in his death and our communion with each other in celebration.

The Old Rugged Cross

Every Christian church has a cross in the sanctuary.  Our cross at FCC is unique.  You’ve probably never seen one like it in any church sanctuary you’ve visited.  Here’s the story… For years the church Christmas tree would be cut down on property owned by church members Arnie and Joan Pals.  One year, rather than disposing of the tree, someone got creative.  They trimmed off all the branches, cut it into two sections, and bolted it together in the shape of a cross.  The tree that reminds us of Jesus’ birth now also reminds us of his death.  Today the cross is decorated to reflect the liturgical season and is a key part of our sanctuary aesthetics.

Legend has it that when Rev. Al Hoksbergen visited FCC to decide whether to become our pastor, he saw the tree.  He exclaimed, “I belong in this church!  I’m a crooked stick, just like that cross.”  Our sanctuary cross reminds us that Jesus was born to us and died for us in all our crookedness and gnarliness.  Thanks be to God!

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year!

The Angels Candle

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:26-30)

Angels are God’s messengers.  Apparently they are a terrifying sight to behold.  The people to whom they appear are often filled with fear.  And so angels routinely begin their message with the words, “Do not be afraid.”  Angel activity stepped up around the time of Jesus’ birth.  Angels appeared to Mary and Joseph and even Zechariah.  But angels are never as important as the message they bring.  More significant than the angel Gabriel is the words he shares with Mary and Joseph and us.  Do not be afraid.  God is with you.  You have found favor with God.

That’s still the message of Christmas.  In a frightening world, in scary times, in sorrow, in uncertainty, in hurt, do not be afraid.  God is with you.  We have found favor with God.  No angels will be here to speak those words to you this Christmas.  But God’s Spirit speaks those words to us instead.  No angel intermediary required.  God’s Spirit testifies with our spirit.  Do not be afraid.  God is with us.  We have found favor with him.

The Shepherds Candle

Shout for joy, you heavens;

    rejoice, you earth;

    burst into song, you mountains!

For the Lord comforts his people

    and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. (Isaiah 49:13)

Joy is not a fragile thing.  It may bend, but it does not break.  It remains resolute in the face of sorrow.  It is not defeated or stolen by sickness, pain, or poverty.  Joy makes regular appearances beside hospital beds and at funeral services.  It is a flame fed by a hot bed of coals.  It is a tower built on a foundation dug down deep.  It is a tree with roots that reach down to the water.

To the shepherds news was given - good news.  Good news of great joy.  What was that news? A Savior has been born.  This news was better than finding a lost sheep.  It was better than a day off or a warm fire on a cold night.  A Savior has been born.  And not just born, born to you - poor shepherds.  A sign that God’s goodwill has now been extended fully to this earth, even to shepherds.  His favor, not his judgment, is resting upon us.  That is truly good news.  It has truly caused great joy - on Christmas night, down through the centuries, and now here in our midst today.  Shout for joy!  For the Lord comforts his people and has compassion on his afflicted ones.

Advent Celebration

Ferrysburg Community Church is a community that celebrates.  We rejoice together at God’s work in our lives, in the world, and in history.  We are also a church that pursues cross-generational relationships.  When people in their 70s and 80s get to know elementary and middle school students, it blesses both groups.  When adults invest in the lives of spiritual “nieces and nephews,” everyone benefits.  

On Sunday morning, we will have an event that captures both of these values.  We will gather before worship at 9:15 to celebrate the birth of Christ.  We’ll begin with a breakfast together and then spend time reflecting on and preparing for Christmas.  Adults will regain the perspective of children.  Children will learn from adults who have celebrated many Christmases.  We’d love for you to be a part of this.  If you are able to join us on Sunday morning, please RSVP by clicking here.  Please let us know if you are coming by Wednesday.

The Prophets Candle

“And I will put enmity

    between you and the woman,

    and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head,

    and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

A classic Christmas carol poses the question: “What child is this?”  And at the beginning of Advent we need to ask and answer this question.  Who is this baby that demands an annual celebration?  Who is this child that angels and shepherds celebrate and worship?  What child is this that we should be filled with hope?

This is the child that we were told about.  Offspring of the virgin’s womb.  And offspring of the first woman.  This child was promised from the beginning to crush the head of sin and death and evil.  Prophets down through the ages have foretold his coming and birth.  This child does not just answer our questions.  This child is the answer to every question.  This child does not just give us hope.  This child is our hope.  This, this is Christ the king.

Welcome, Shelby!

There’s a new face behind the front desk, a new voice on the phone, and a new set of fingers responding to your emails.  Last Monday, Shelby Shreve became our new administrative assistant.  Shelby and her husband Thomas have three young sons.  They live in Nunica and attend Lakeshore Baptist Church.  Shelby has served in a number of administrative roles in the past, including being the assistant director of a local pre-school.  Most of her free time gets invested in her family.  But she also enjoys being outdoors and a good book.

New Era Church Plant

New Era CRC has served New Era and its surrounding residents since January 5, 1884. They have followed the promptings of the Lord the entire time and are seeking to continue to follow them into the future. Most recently, New Era CRC has been led to serve the nearly 50% Hispanic community of Shelby Township. This has led them to seek multiple local congregations and other organizations to partner with them to launch a new church in Shelby Township focused on the Hispanic community. New Era hopes to have the church open by the end of 2025. 

Our role is to pray! Like everything in life, we must go before God and ask for his leadership. FCC has already agreed to help New Era in this church plant with a financial donation, if you feel led we will have special offerings throughout next year to give further in support of the church plant. On top of this, we were asked to send a member to join their partnership team to help guide the church planter throughout the process of starting the church. If you or someone you know loves the Hispanic community and growing God’s kingdom let us know.

Veteran's Day

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 Armistice Day.  It was one year to the day that fighting ended in World War I and an armistice was established.  Today we call this day Veterans Day.  World War I was considered “the war to end all wars.”  It was the first time in history that so many nations joined together or opposed each other in a great war.  

Unfortunately, there have been a number of other wars since that first Armistice Day.  The enemies of peace are not just other nations.  Just as often they are clandestine organizations.  Yet then, just as now, we are deeply grateful for the men and women who have stood ready to defend our country.  Until the day Jesus returns, there will be violence and military conflicts.  We look forward to the day when a military force won’t be necessary.  Until that day, we are grateful for those who have served.

On Winning

As much as we hope for a tidy and decisive election, it’s possible that by the end of this week we still won’t have a clear election winner.  We may have to wait several days or even weeks to know who won.  But while we’re waiting for the dust to settle on this election, we can remember something that is even more important: regardless of whether your person won, our Person has won.  Our Savior, Jesus, is victorious over all powers.  Because of Christ’s victory, we get to face challenges that are not ultimate challenges.  No earthly loss can take away from our victory in Jesus.  No earthly victory can add to it.  So whether your person wins or loses, Christ is risen.  I leave you with this picture of the victory as it is even now being celebrated in heaven.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

-Revelation 7:9-10

Election Prep

It’s shaping up to be another close election.  Margins are razor thin, far too thin to make any confident predictions about who our next president will be.  It’s possible we won’t officially know for days or weeks after the election.  What this means is that it is very possible that your preferred candidate won’t win.  The other person will be our next president.  You will need to get your mind around a Trump presidency or a Harris presidency.  And my question to you is: are you prepared for that outcome?  Are you emotionally and mentally and spiritually prepared for your candidate to not win?

Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed Christians fall apart in the aftermath of a presidential election.  Shock gave way to despair and depression.  It is okay to be disappointed at an election outcome.  It’s okay to be sad that your person didn’t win.  It’s even okay to be concerned about what the next four years will look like.  But despair has no place in the life of those who belong to Jesus.  Regardless of who wins next Tuesday, we have already won because Jesus is Lord.  If you are quite invested in the outcome of this election, now would be a good time to make sure you are keeping perspective.  Now is the time to start preparing yourself for the possibility that your candidate will lose.  And the best way to do that is by remembering that above all earthly powers, our God reigns and always will.

Rest In Stress

The transition into school is done, and a rhythm of life might be forming, just in time for the holidays right around the corner to come in and mess it all up again. As we approach the holidays it is important to remember to find time to rest. Find a time to spend time with your Heavenly Father, doing the things that allow you to relax, and setting aside the stresses of life even just for a moment. As Psalm 23 puts it, In the Lord we lack nothing. He makes us lie down in green pastures, leads us beside quiet waters, and restores our soul. 

A common misconception is that to rest you have to sleep, rest can be anything that moves your mind away from the daily stress of life and onto relaxation. The best relaxation is time with God. God sees your stress and embraces it with you, guides you to a green pasture, provides what you need, and ultimately restores your soul. In the upcoming season, remember where your rest comes from and focus on Him if family or the holidays become too much.

Church Famous

Andy Warhol is credited with saying, “In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.”  Perhaps he envisioned a day when a video or social media post could go viral.  People around the world would see your meme or a tweet, giving you roughly 15 minutes of notoriety before you slip back into anonymity.  That doesn’t sound like much to aspire to.  Living your life for just 15 minutes of fame?  Fortunately, there’s an alternative.

I’d like to (possibly) coin the term “church famous.”  As opposed to being world famous, church famous happens on a much smaller scale.  It’s having notoriety in your church family.  Church famous is the state of being known and loved by the people you worship and serve with.  It is mattering deeply to the people in your LifeGroup.  When you get sick, undergo surgery, or have a baby, people will pray for you, bring meals, and send you cards.  All because you are church famous.  It may not be as glamorous as being world famous.  But in the end it is a much better deal.  And it lasts a lot longer than 15 minutes.

Beauty

The fall colors are taking their time in getting here.  We’re beginning the second week in October and green remains the predominant color.  Last week my dad and I drove the Tunnel of Trees in northern Michigan, hoping for a glimpse of fall beauty.  It was not to be.  What I find fascinating is the lengths we will go to in order to witness beauty.  We will pay good money to go on a fall color tour.  We will drive to the other side of the country to look upon the Grand Canyon or Yosemite Valley.  We spend hours cultivating planter boxes and beds full of colorful flowers that serve no functional purpose.  They are just pretty.

What does this say about us?  Where does this great desire for beauty come from?  We are people created in the image of God.  We were made in the image of a Creator who purposefully placed beauty in his creation.  Was it necessary for the leaves of trees to change into vibrant colors before falling to the ground?  Was it necessary to carve out splendid canyons?  Our desire for beauty is due to the fact that we are “chips off the ol’ block.”  These apples don’t fall far from the tree.  We long for beauty because our Father does.  And that longing for beauty is ultimately a longing to experience God’s glory.  The fall colors will get here eventually.  Your desire to see them is more than just a seasonal fancy.  It is a longing to behold God’s glory.