Family Resources

April 24, 2024

Faith @ Home - Yellow

FCC families, ministry leaders, and friends,

Daffodils, forsythia, sunshine. Yellow can brighten our days. Yellow was the favorite color of Olivia Haverkamp, my relative who would have been turning 23 tomorrow if cancer had not cut her life short a few years ago. When I think of Olivia, I think of yellow, kindness and her smile. In ministry, yellow is sometimes referred to as the light of the church. How do we let our light shine? During last Sunday morning's presentation by Karen Mulder and Joel Tanis, we were challenged to live as good Samaritans by showing up for those who are wounded and in need of our comfort and care. Joel Tanis' bright painting of the Good Samaritan completed with our notes of ways to care will remain on display at FCC as a reminder of how God calls us to live well. If you missed the presentation, you are welcome to pick up a copy of Karen's book 122+ Ways to Care Well from the shelf in my office. You can also visit Karen's website, WisdomoftheWounded.com. Shine on!

Upcoming Events:

Dig Drummers (Kids 2nd grade and older) - Carley Hwang will be directing our kids to lead us in worship on April 28. The final rehearsal will be this Sunday, April 28 from 9:45-10:15 before they call us to worship in the service.

Ferrysburg's Scuba VBS - Monday-Thursday, June 17-20 from 9:00 - 11:30AM

Kids four years-old through students entering fifth grade are invited to participate! Others are invited to volunteer! Registration is now open! Please click here or use the QR code to sign up as a volunteer or participant!

Scuba Donations-During Scuba VBS we will be looking to borrow a “hide a key” style rock. We will also need 12 salt packets and 12 ketchup packets. Please let Lori Houskamp know if you are able to supply any of these odd items for us! You are also invited to purchase items from our Amazon Scuba Wish List of items needed for our Scuba stations and future children’s ministries. Our donation board will be up soon with snack items needed.

Sunday Worship Hour Ministries (10:30 AM)
Current volunteer schedules are also available anytime on our church website under family resources and on our church app. Please contact Saskia Kendziera with schedule changes or questions (saskia@ferrysburgchurch.com or 616-780-3292).
Nursery and the following children's ministries for kids through fifth grade will be available this Sunday during our 10:30 worship hour.

Nursery Judy Wierenga, Lynn DeYoung, and Emersyn Bonnema will care for our kids.

Explore (2-4 year-olds) - Elizabeth Wierenga and August Freeman will share the lesson about Paul's Shipwreck.

Wonder (Young Fives-First grade) - Barb Boss and Annalise Bonnema will share The Good Shepherd and the Lord's Supper II.

Dig (Second-Fifth grade) - Sara Meiste and Rick Boss will share the lesson about Paul's Shipwreck.

*Attached is this week's Wonder @ Home page. Check out the lesson, activity suggestions, conversation starters and links to this week's preschool and elementary videos and the worship playlist.

Bible Memory Challenge

For April, you are encouraged to memorize Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

You are encouraged to discuss one or more of the questions from this week's Wonder @ Home.

• How has Jesus met you in a special way?
• How has the Holy Spirit started to change the way you think, speak, or act?

GymJam

GymJam will meet another time this spring this Thursday, April 28, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. The bounce house will be inflated and the toys will be ready! GymJam is a great opportunity for kids and caregivers to gather in the FCC gym so kids can play and adults can enjoy fellowship. You are invited to join the Ferrysburg Church GymJam group for occasional announcements and reminders. Contact Kaylee Freeman (kaylee.rae.freeman@gmail.com) with any questions or to be added to an email list for updates/reminders.

MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers)

MOPS will meet for the final time on Thursday, May 2 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with child care provided. FCC MOPS is a great place for moms to enjoy support, fellowship and adult conversation. Newcomers are always welcome to check it out. MOPS gatherings are on the first and third Thursdays of the month Find out more at www.ferrysburgchurch.com/mops or on the FCC MOPS Facebook page.

GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior)

GEMS meetings have concluded for the season. First through seventh grade girls are encouraged to join us from 6:30-8:00 p.m. next September - March. New girls are always welcome! Information is available at www.ferrysburgchurch.com/gems.

Faith Nurture Books--books to borrow for support/encouragement from our FCC library

How to Talk to Kids About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events

Nine Minutes a Day Your Child Needs You Most

Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events

40 Free, Fun Faith Forming Ideas for Families

Ten Books that Promote Mental Health in Kids

10 Ways to Talk with Kids about Their Faith

5 Ways to Practice Justice and Mercy

Kids Corner-- faith forming devotionals, podcasts, Bible stories, and more

Just Ask Your Mom--podcast on marriage, parenting and more

Parent Cue: Great Articles, Blogs & Podcasts for All Parents

Raising boys and girls podcast