This Sunday, November 1

This fall, we are looking at several key passages about prayer and how this simple act can help us step into the kingdom of heaven here on earth. This Sunday, Pastor Nate will continue this theme with two passages from Luke around the idea of persistence in prayer. We will also celebrate Reformation Sunday and the launch of our partnership with Children’s Hope Chest.

Next Sunday, November 8

Everything that happens in our lives invites a response from us.  Each event - good or bad, painful or fortunate - calls us to respond with a specific action or emotion.  It’s important for us to respond the right way and make sure our reactions fit the event.  But there is one response that is appropriate in every situation and with every event.  We’ll talk about that response next Sunday.

This Week’s Featured Ministry Partner – Humanity for Prisoners

HFP, in collaboration with strategic partners, works one-on-one with people in prison to provide personalized services that empower them to receive support and assistance. Key areas of focus include: navigating the prison system, advocating for healthcare, gaining access to public documents, preparing for parole board hearings, and reconnecting with lost family and friends. All contributions will be considered year-end gifts and will be matched by generous supporters!

Next week, the offering will also be for Humanity for Prisoners.

Featured Ministry Partners

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

November 1 - Humanity for Prisoners

November 8 - Humanity for Prisoners

November 15 - Humanity for Prisoners

November 22 - Humanity for Prisoners

Thanksgiving - Food Pantry

Dig Drummers

We invite our 2nd-5th grade students to participate in Dig Drummers and lead the Call to Worship in our service on Sunday, November 8! Rehearsals will continue on Sunday, November 1, from 9:45-10:15 a.m. and November 8, from 9:30-10:15. Drummers will perform "When I Pray" by Tate Butts, available on Spotify or YouTube. Contact Carley Hwang with any questions at (231) 578-1089 or carleyhwang@yahoo.com

Children’s Hope Chest Luncheon - November 1

Join us after the service on November 1 for a luncheon celebrating the launch of our partnership with Children’s Hope Chest. We will enjoy tacos and fellowship while we learn more about Children’s Hope Chest and ways to get involved!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Items Wanted

Ferrysburg GEMS will again be packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. We invite donations of new toys, personal care items, school supplies, and accessories suitable for kids ages 2-14.  Printed lists of shoebox gift suggestions are available by the donation box in The Commons, or you can click here for an online list. GEMS will pack boxes on November 2 and 6.

Single Ladies Gathering

Please join us for lunch on Friday, Oct. 30 at 11:45. We will meet for food and fellowship at McAlister's Deli at 5081 Harvey St. in Norton Shores. Please contact Sandy Benson (616-935-2490) if you plan to attend or if you need a ride. Hope to see you then!

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 continue from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings, 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.

Women’s Book Club

Women’s Book Club will meet Thursday, November 19, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Contact Lynn DeYoung for more information.

FCC Knitters

Knitters meet at 1:00 p.m. at the church on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. 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 November 5, 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, November 12, 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

GH Cadets

Thanks so much to those of you who participated in our fundraiser! There is still time to join the Cadets. Our next regular meetings are at First CRC from 6:45-8:30 p.m. on Mondays, November 2, 16, and 30. Contact Pete Malek at pmalek413@gmail.com for more information.

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.