This Sunday, May 17

If you sat next to a doctor or a lawyer on a flight, would you be able to tell? What signs would indicate their profession? It might be hard to tell unless you saw that person in action. This Sunday, we will wrap up our Last Words series with a look at some of the signs that Jesus said would identify his followers. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Next Sunday, May 24

Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells stories to illustrate the invisible kingdom of heaven.  Since he can’t simply point to it or concretely describe it, he uses similes.  A simile is an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the words "as" or "like."  No less than 10 times in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like…,” then tells a story.  This summer, we will be looking at the parables that describe God’s kingdom and how it appears in our midst, visible only to the eyes of faith.  We’ll begin next Sunday with a look at the Parable of the Sower.

 
Giving QR code.

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 – New Era Hispanic Ministry

New Era CRC has felt the Lord’s call to reach out to the Hispanic community surrounding their church. Historically, only the Catholic Church has done so, but New Era believes there is value in starting a ministry specifically for its Hispanic Community. Donations to New Era will help them build this new ministry.

Next week, the offering will also be for New Era Hispanic Ministry.  

 

Featured Ministry Partners

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

May 17 - New Era Hispanic Ministry

May 24 - New Era Hispanic Ministry

May 31 - World Renew

June 7 - World Renew

June 14 - W.I.S.H.

 

New Council Members

This Sunday, May 17, we will vote during the service on a slate of new elders and deacons.  Names from an approved list of nominees were drawn at random at our March Council meeting.  Candidates were asked to consider the nomination in the order they were drawn.  The proposed slate is elder nominees Dirk Bonnema and Jim Ponstine and deacon nominees Grace DePrekel, Dean Kendziera, and Mike Maggio.


Spring Clean Up

On Saturday, May 16, at 12:00 p.m., we will clean up our church building and grounds and get it ready for summer. There will be pizza and jobs for everyone. Bring your family or a neighbor and spend an hour or two with friends!



Rainforest Falls--Register Now!

Ferrysburg’s Rainforest Falls will take place June 15-18 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. each day. Kids from four years old through students entering fifth grade are invited to participate. Volunteers and participants can register now at ferrysburgchurch.com/vbs!

Rainforest Greenery

If you have any artificial plants that you would be willing to loan us for Rainforest Falls, please let Robin Spicer know.


Rainforest Falls Staff Snacks

If you would be willing to provide baked goods or fruit for our Rainforest Falls volunteers on one of the mornings of our adventure, please sign up at the Rainforest Falls display in The Commons.

 

Women’s Book Club

Book Club will meet on Thursday, May 21, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende. Contact Lynn DeYoung with any questions.

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.

 

Online Directory

Contact the office or check with a staff member if you need the password to access our online directory.

 

Women’s Coffee

Join us in The Grove on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m.

 

Men’s Coffee

Come for a cup of coffee and some conversation every Wednesday at 9 a.m in The Commons.

 

Youth and Family Ministries

Student Ministries

Our youth group meets every Sunday from 12-1:30 pm in the youth room. 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. Contact Lori Houskamp (lori@ferrysburgchurch.com) for more information.

MomCo

MomCo is a place for moms to experience encouragement and community. Childcare is available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Find all the details and 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 happens next on Thursday, May 21, from 9:30-11:00 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

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.