Welcome!

Thank you for joining us to worship God, hear from his word, and be reminded of his grace.  We hope that you will be blessed and encouraged this morning.  If you are with us for the first time, please stop by the welcome center in the entryway to receive a treat and say hello.

This Sunday, November 16

If they’re being honest, just about everyone has prayed at some point in their lives.  Even avowed atheists aren’t above a quick prayer in a moment of desperation.  In fact, that’s generally when people are most likely to pray - in moments of distress. This Sunday, we will look at a couple of people who came to Jesus in desperation and how Jesus responded with grace. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Next Sunday, November 23

C.S. Lewis described heaven as a place where we will rejoice in others’ achievements as if they were our own.  Clearly, then, we are a long way from heaven.  It’s not unusual for people to respond to the successes of others with jealousy and attempts to minimize the achievement.  Next Sunday, we will look at how religious people did this to Jesus… and still do it today.

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. Next week's offering will also be for Humanity for Prisoners. 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 16 - Humanity for Prisoners

November 23 - Humanity for Prisoners

November 30 - Mosaic Counseling

December 7 - Mosaic Counseling

December 14 - Mosaic Counseling

Congregational Meeting - November 23

We will hold a congregational meeting immediately after the service on November 23.  The purpose will be to present the proposed financial plan for 2026.  All are welcome to attend, and members are encouraged to attend.

Food Pantry Needs

The Food Pantry has been busy this fall and is in need of the following items: canned peas, small bags of sugar, small cans of coffee, Hamburger Helper, pancake mix, and cake mixes. Items may be dropped off in the donation bin in the foyer. Thank you for showing God’s love to our community through your support!

Operation Christmas Child Thanks

Thank you for your donations of shoebox items, financial contributions, and prayers for Operation Christmas Child. Your support has blessed our GEMS and will bless the 123 recipients who receive the boxes along with the Good News of Jesus.

Thank You from Eric Christian

Thank you for the cards and prayers after the passing of my Grandpa. -Eric Christian

Women’s Book Club

Book Club will meet on Thursday, November 20, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss “The Indigo Girl” by Natasha Boyd. Contact Lynn DeYoung with any questions.

MomCo Childcare Providers Needed

We are looking for additional childcare providers to fill in on some Thursday mornings from 9:15-11:15 a.m. This can be a paid or volunteer position. Talk to Lori Houskamp if you may be able to help out.

Kids Hope

Kids need hope. Kids, even here in the TriCities area, are hurting. Mentors can offer children a glimmer of the hope that they need. Just by “showing up” mentors provide some consistency in a child’s life. Mentors listen and encourage and affirm, all of which help a child gain confidence and self esteem. Mentors help with homework; they play games and laugh and have fun with kids. If you would like more information on being a mentor, please contact Judy Ponstine at 616-560-9542 or email at jponstinetoo@gmail.com.

FCC Knitters

Knitters will begin meeting 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.

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 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

Youth Group

The youth group started back up on September 7th. 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! Registration is now open at ferrysburgchurch.com/gems. GEMS meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. from September 15 through March. 

MomCo

MomCo is a place for moms to experience encouragement and community. MomCo meets next on Thursday, November 20, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. 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, December 11, 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.

Tri-Cities Cadets

It's never too late for boys 2nd Grade and up to join Cadets! The next meeting is on November 17 from 6:45-8:30 p.m. at First CRC.

Community Announcements

Community Thanksgiving Feast 2025

The Community Thanksgiving Feast will be held this year at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes on Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in their community room.  The Feast is open to ALL – enjoy a delicious sit-down traditional Thanksgiving meal and great conversation with your neighbor or a new-found friend.  Take-out meals will also be available during the same time; just stop in at the church between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm.

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.