Welcome Deanna!

The administrative assistant position at FCC has been a real carousel for the past few years.  Going back to 2022, we’ve had five different people in that position since then!  The most recent edition of administrative assistant - and we hope the last for a long time - is Deanna VanderPloeg.  She will be answering your phone calls and emails and greeting you when you stop by church during the week.  Deanna has worked in church administration in the past and is excited to support ministry at FCC.  She and her husband are members of Calvin CRC in Norton Shores.  She has four grown children.  Outside of work, Deanna enjoys gardening, traveling, birding and baking.  Please welcome her warmly to FCC!

Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

Afar and anear, alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today against wounding - 

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

The True Comparison

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

There’s a thing we do when we go through times of struggle, challenge, or suffering.  We remind ourselves that others have it even worse than we do.  Maybe you totaled your car, but someone else lost their job.  Maybe you lost your job, but someone else lost their spouse.  There’s always someone who has it worse.  I’m not sure comparing different kinds of suffering is a wise action.  Everyone experiences suffering in a different way.  The people and circumstances involved are never identical.  Each person’s suffering is unique to them - painful and productive in distinct ways.  

The true comparison is not between different kinds of suffering, but between our current suffering and the future glory that awaits us as God’s children.  Paul describes our present suffering as “light and momentary.”   That’s not to discount the deep pain and struggle you have experienced.  In no way do these words minimize the struggle you’re going through or the pain you feel.  Rather, Paul invites us to compare our suffering to the glory that will be ours.  He invites us to hold up our trials next to an eternity of perfect peace and complete joy.  That’s the true comparison.  And it’s true encouragement as well.  What awaits us in God’s presence far outweighs the heaviest trial you will ever face.

Excuse to Party and to Grow

Tomorrow is the day commonly known as “Fat Tuesday.”  It is a day marked by great excesses as one has one last hurrah before Lent.  One of the biggest and most famous celebrations of Fat Tuesday happens in New Orleans at Mardi Gras.  But throughout the world, it is a day of feasting, partying, and often, all kinds of excess and immortality.  What’s interesting is that, I suspect, most of those who heartily celebrate Fat Tuesday make few, if any, changes to their lives during the season of Lent.  Fat Tuesday has very little to do with Lent.  It’s simply an excuse to party.

It would be easy to look down on those who use this day as an excuse to party but fail to keep Lent.  But I also wonder if we can’t learn something from them.  We can criticize their desire to find an excuse to party.  But perhaps we need to grab this line and find our own set of excuses.  Not to party, but to grow.  What occasion or excuse is there for you to start investing more heavily in your relationship with God or your church family or your community through service?  The season of Lent provides one such “excuse.”  But anything will do.  Choose your birthday month and practice a new spiritual discipline.  Use summer as an excuse to read more Scripture or spend more time in prayer.  I’m always impressed at how easy it is for people to find an excuse to party.  What’s your excuse to grow?

No One Stands Alone

Note: This message is so important that I like to run it about once a year.  I think it’s a great reminder to our church family and worth repeating.

I want to issue our church family a challenge.  It’s called “No one stands alone.”  Generally speaking, we are a very friendly church.  Guests who worship with us typically report feeling very welcomed.  Every once in a while, someone slips through the cracks.  A guest exits the sanctuary, gets a cup of coffee, then stands by himself or herself for five minutes and leaves.  Ugh.  

So here’s the challenge.  Let’s work together to make sure that no one stands alone in our church.  Whether a first time guest or a member, let’s keep our eyes peeled for people or couples who are standing by themselves in our lobby before or after the service.  A simple handshake, a warm welcome, and a few questions to get to know that person will make all the difference.  In the family of God, no one should stand alone.  As an expression of God’s family at FCC, let’s come together to make sure it doesn’t happen here.

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.