This Sunday, October 4

Unity is not just an existential fact to be admired.  It is the basis for how we carry out Christ’s work in this world.  We are the body of Christ after all.  Our unity exists not just to be together, but to work together to bring God’s kingdom closer to earth.  This Sunday we will explore the concept of the body of Christ and how unity helps us announce God’s kingdom to the world.

Next Sunday, October 11

We are all going to the same place.  That is one more source of unity among God’s children.  God’s will is the same for all of us: to be filled with the fullness of Christ.  The problem is that we don’t all get to that same destination by the same route.  The process of becoming like Jesus is often highly individualized and diverse.  Next Sunday we’ll be reminded that Christ is the navigator and will work in every life to bring us to the same destination.

This Week’s Featured Ministry Partner – Love in Action

Love in Action is a ministry that works with a network of church partners, volunteers, and partner organizations to help our neighbors in need. Love in Action combines community resources to provide food, clothing, medical care, shelter, and other services to our neighbors who experience times of need.

Next week, the offering will also be for Love in Action.  

Featured Ministry Partners

Please consider supporting our ministry partners with your prayers and offerings.

October 4 - Love in Action

October 11 - Love in Action

October 18 - Love in Action

October 25 - Love in Action

November 1 - Humanity for Prisoners

CROP Hunger Walk

Join us for the annual Tri-Cities CROP Hunger Walk! It will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, with First CRC in Grand Haven as our host church.  Please see Jim Niewenhuis in the Commons before worship or on the front walk after worship if you would like more information or would like to walk or donate.

Soup Luncheon - October 4

Plan to stick around after the service on October 4 to share a light soup lunch and support the CROP Walk.  We will have several soup options, and donations will support our CROP Walk walkers.

Thank You from Sherry Merz

Thank you so much for all the prayers, encouraging cards, emails, and texts that were sent to me over the past 4 months. The grief I've experienced from my hearing loss and the music distortion has been a difficult journey. Your prayers throughout this time have been felt!   I treasure your ongoing prayers as I move forward in creating music, with the hope that my brain will continue to adjust, that I will enjoy and participate in music-making, and that my fingers will remain trustworthy!

Pantry Needs

The FCC food pantry is in need of grocery bags to pack customer orders. If you would like to donate, please leave items in the bin labeled “Food Pantry Donations” by the front door. 

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. 

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.

FCC Knitters

Knitters meet at 1:00 p.m. at the church on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, starting October 13. You don’t have to be a knitter to attend; come to learn. Crochet or other handwork projects are welcome too. Contact Rosemary VerHeul at 616-430-7429.

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

Our youth group meets directly after the service most Sundays 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

MomCo is a place for moms to experience encouragement and community. Childcare is available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. MomCo will meet next on October 15, from 9:30-11 a.m. Find all the details and future meeting dates at ferrysburgchurch.com/momco. 

GymJam

GymJam is a great opportunity for kids and caregivers to gather in the FCC gym so kids can play and adults can enjoy fellowship. GymJam will meet next on Thursday, October 8, from 9:30-11 a.m. Find future dates for GymJam on the Facebook page, at ferrysburgchurch.com/gymjam, or grab a postcard from the check-in station.

Community Announcements

Positive Options - Baby Boutique Needs

We have an urgent need for the basic Similac formula that many of our clients feed their children. Click here for an Amazon link to the large can of Similac Advance.  Small cans of the same are welcome, too. Thank you for your willingness to share our needs!  

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!

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.