This Week’s Church and Community News
This Sunday, September 6
Let’s be honest. There are parts of the Bible that can be a real chore to read through - especially the Old Testament. We can get bogged down in all the regulations and instructions and genealogies. But even when it seems like God’s word gets into the weeds, there remains a powerful and important message. This Sunday we’ll look at one such part of the Bible (Exodus 25-28) and discover important truth.
Next Sunday, September 13
We are a community of all kinds of people who are becoming more like Jesus. That’s our vision for our church. More importantly, we believe that is God’s goal for us as well. Next Sunday we will focus on this goal, celebrate the ways it is currently happening, and commit ourselves to another year of becoming more like Jesus.
Ways to Give
You can support God’s work through FCC at any time in the following ways:
1) Electronically, by going to www.ferrysburgchurch.com/give, using the FCC App, or scanning this QR code.
2) Use the giving boxes in the back of the sanctuary.
3) Mail your check to church or use your bank’s bill pay service.
This Week’s Featured Ministry Partner – Leah Sweetman
Leah Sweetman is a missionary in Nicaragua working with The Nehemiah Center alongside Steve and Kim Holtrop (also FCC-supported missionaries). She has served there for nearly two years, working with students, local pastors, and local youth ministries. Leah grew up at Spring Lake CRC and is the daughter of Drew and Becky Sweetman.
Next week, the offering will also be for Leah Sweetman.
Featured Ministry Partners
Please consider supporting our ministry partners with your prayers and offerings.
September 6 - Leah Sweetman
September 13 - Leah Sweetman
September 20 - Leah Sweetman
September 27 - Family Care Fund
October 4 - Love in Action
Fall Adult Study
What is the Heidelberg Catechism, and what does it have to say to us today? This fall, you are invited to an insightful and practical look at this collection of our beliefs. The study will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings, September 20 & 27, October 11 & 25, and November 8 & 22. The study will include a time of fellowship and refreshments, a large group presentation, and table discussion. To sign up and for more information, go to ferrysburgchurch.com/adults.
Church Luncheon
Plan to stick around after the service on September 13 and celebrate the start of a new ministry year with a meal! Donations are welcome, but not necessary. If you are available to help set up and/or serve, please email office@ferrysburgchurch.com.
Call to Global Prayer
We invite you and your family to join us in a call to global prayer in the FCC sanctuary on Wednesday, September 9. The prayer time will be come-and-go from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. We look forward to seeking the Lord together!
Kids’ Food Basket
Kids’ Food Basket exists to increase access to healthy food for children and families. Their core belief is that food is a right, not a privilege. For the past 2 years, one of our LifeGroups, along with others, has worked at KFB - Muskegon (on Barclay St.). We are opening that opportunity for additional volunteers! We typically work on the first Thursday of the month, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m, packing lunches for students in need. If you would like to get involved in this ministry, email John Kramer (johnhkramer526@gmail.com) or Rachel Kramer (rkramer62@gmail.com).
Senior Fish Fry
Seniors, join us for our annual Senior Fish Fry on September 10 at Pottawattomie Park at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own table service, drink, and a dish to pass. Please RSVP to Donna DeYoung at 616-842-4294.
Women's Book Club
Book Club will kick off a new year on Thursday, September 10, at 1:00 p.m. We will discuss our summer read, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnson. Please bring a list of readings you enjoyed over the summer and suggestions for the coming year. Contact Lynn DeYoung with any questions.
Tamang Mission Trip
In 2007, FCC sponsored a refugee family from Nepal - the Tamangs. Suk Man now leads a Nepali Christian fellowship in Grand Haven. In October, he will return to Nepal to speak and minister at four different events, as well as serve local churches. This will also be an opportunity to further his growth as a spiritual leader to the Nepali community in Grand Haven. The goal to cover travel, lodging, transportation, and other ministry expenses is around $15,000. If you would like to support Suk Man financially, you can give to FCC and include “Tamang Mission” as the memo. You can also contribute by using our app or online by selecting “Tamang Mission.”
Outreach Opportunity
Love in Action is opening a new office called Community Haven. Community Haven will be focusing on the needs of the homeless in our community. One act of kindness that they would love to provide is nutritious meals. Love in Action is currently looking for individuals or small groups willing to sign up to bring a meal to Community Haven on a rotating basis. This would be a meal for 5-7 people, once a month (or more if you would like).
Please contact Sandy Benson at 616-935-2490 or care@ferrysburgchurch.com if you, your LifeGroup, or friend group would like further details on this opportunity to bless our community!
Download the FCC App!
Did you know you can view prayer requests, announcements, and the member directory on the FCC app? You will also find links to past services, a calendar of upcoming events, and even access your online giving profile. To download the app, text FERRYSBURGCC APP to 77977, and follow the prompts. If you would like assistance, please email office@ferrysburgchurch.com or come by during office hours.
Online Directory
Contact the office or check with a staff member or member of the Council if you need the password to access our online directory.
LifeGroups
LifeGroups are mid-sized groups of people from our church family that gather twice a month to study, serve, and share life together. We have groups for all kinds of people at different places in life. If you’d like more information or help finding a LifeGroup, contact Pastor Nate (nate@ferrysburgchurch.com) or the church office (office@ferrysburgchurch.com).
Connections Emails
Want to stay in the loop with your church family? Sign up for the Connections email. An email goes out on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sunday mornings. This is also how we communicate cancellations and other important information. To sign up, send an email to office@ferrysburgchurch.com.
Men’s Coffee
Come for a cup of coffee and some conversation every Wednesday at 9 a.m in The Commons.
Women’s Coffee
Join us in The Grove on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m.
Youth and Family Ministries
Student Ministries - Resumes September 13
Our youth group meets every Sunday during the school year. There will be food, community, and a space to grow deeper in your connection with God. Contact Drew with any questions at drew@ferrysburgchurch.com.
GEMS
All girls in grades 1 through 7 are welcome to belong and be loved at Ferrysburg GEMS! GEMS meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. from September 21 through March. Registration is now open at ferrysburgchurch.com/gems.
MomCo - Resumes September 17
MomCo is a place for moms to experience encouragement and community. Childcare is available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. MomCo will begin a new season on September 17, from 9:30-11 a.m. Find all the details and meeting dates at ferrysburgchurch.com/momco.
GymJam - Resumes September 10
GymJam is a great opportunity for kids and caregivers to gather in the FCC gym so kids can play and adults can enjoy fellowship. Find future dates for GymJam on the Facebook page, at ferrysburgchurch.com/gymjam, or grab a postcard from the check-in station.
Community Announcements
Love in Action - Community Haven
Love in Action is opening a new office called Community Haven. Community Haven will be focusing on the needs of the homeless in our community. One act of kindness that they would love to provide is nutritious meals. Love in Action is currently looking for individuals or small groups willing to sign up to bring a meal to Community Haven on a rotating basis. This would be a meal for 5-7 people, once a month (or more if you would like). Please contact Sandy Benson at 616-935-2490 or care@ferrysburgchurch.com if you, your LifeGroup, or friend group would like further details on this opportunity to bless our community!
Positive Options - Baby Boutique Needs
Our supply is critically low on wipes, formula, baby wash, baby lotion, and diapers in sizes 6 & 7. All of these items are listed on our Amazon registry and can be shipped directly to our office. Thank you for your willingness to share our needs!
Mosaic Counseling - Men’s Support Group
Whether you are dealing with stress, relationships, work pressures, family concerns, personal growth, mental health struggles, or simply looking for connection and support, this group offers an opportunity to share experiences, gain perspective, and build meaningful relationships. The group provides a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where men can connect with others who may be facing similar life challenges. They meet the third Monday of each month, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven.
Foster Families Needed for Refugee Children
Across the world, war, natural disasters, or persecution have forced families to flee their homes. Before they flee or along the dangerous journey to a refugee camp, children and teens can become separated from their families. If family members cannot be located or are unable to provide care, teens could be resettled in the US in our foster system. As a refugee foster parent, you can provide a safe and supportive home for a teen to heal from past trauma and prepare for future independence. Contact Grace Drost at Bethany Christian Services for more information: gracedrost@bethany.org or (616) 826-2088.
Share Your Gifts at Love in Action
If you already volunteer with Love in Action, we want to say thank you! Giving your time is a precious gift and we are grateful. Do you know all the ways there are to get involved at Love in Action? Receptionist, client advisor, financial coach, health and dental clinics, administrative assistant/data entry, Upscale Resale store, transporting and processing donations, central pantry, gardening/landscaping, maintenance, mobile food distribution (food truck). We all have gifts to share, and when we share, we create opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others. Opportunities range from one-time events to ongoing, weekly scheduled shifts. As a volunteer, you decide your schedule! Email love@loveinactiontricities.org for more information.
