St. John's United Church of Christ

Daylight Savings Time Ends Tomorrow, November 3
It's that time of year again. Remember to set your clocks back an hour tonight, Saturday, November 2, for standard time so you don't arrive an hour early for the worship service at 10:00 AM EST on Sunday!

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

Daylight Savings Time Ends Tomorrow, November 3 — St. John's United Church of Christ It's that time of year again. Remember to set your clocks back an hour tonight, Saturday, November 2, for standard time so you don't arrive an hour early for the worship service at 10:00 AM EST on Sunday! Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

This Sunday, November 3, 2024
Welcome to Sunday morning! This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support. If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here: http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give . You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC

1934 Bridge ST NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6724c642e69d816ccab25f5b/1730463299393/Children%27s+Bulletin+11032024.pdf

Order of Service
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6724c610054ee0467af8d753/1730463250598/Order+of+Service+11032024.pdf

Weekly Devotional
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6724c68c020fc43e4cbda8ae/1730463373393/Weekly+Devotional+11032024.pdf

Weekly Journal
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6724c891cf48684ceb996519/1730463893112/Journal+11032024.pdf

This Sunday, November 3, 2024 — St. John's United Church of Christ Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.   If you are unable to join us in-person, please join&

Wednesday, November 06, 2024: Mobile Food Pantry
Let's work together on November 6, 2024. St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church will host a Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504. Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution will begin at 6:00 pm. We are an equal opportunity provider. Last month, 4 records of people served were broken: 164 households, 572 individuals, 120 seniors and 212 children. Statistics include 13 seniors were served food boxes. A small donation of surplus food was delivered to UCOM by Richard Johnston. A total of 30 diligent and hard-working volunteers moved 6,511 pounds of food. For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry feel free to contact Teresa Markoski at 616-690-4566 or at [email protected] . Financial support is always welcome by donating on the church app or by writing a personal check to St. John's United Church of Christ, 1934 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 40504. It takes a village to feed our neighbors, together we serve.

Mobile Food Pantry Non-Discrimination Agreement

Location:

The Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church

1550 Oswego NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Nov 6, 2024 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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Wednesday, November 06, 2024: Mobile Food Pantry — St. John's United Church of Christ Let's work together on November 6, 2024.  St. John's UCC in partnership with Sudanese Grace Episcopal Church will host a Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry at 1550 Oswego NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504. Volunteers will gather at 5:00 pm, distribution will begin at 6:00 pm.  We are an

🕯️ Totenfest at St. John’s UCC 🕯️

Join us on Sunday, November 3, at 10am as we honor and remember those who are no longer with us. During the service, you’re invited to light a candle in memory of a loved one and share a special moment of reflection.

You may also bring a photo or memento to place on our Table of Memories in Fellowship Hall, where we’ll gather after the service to remember and celebrate their lives together.

Let’s come together in love and remembrance. ❤️

Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Girlfriends Discussion Group
Hello everyone! In another week we will start our new book, "Kitchen Table Wisdom...stories that heal", by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. What an interesting book and profound insights. I purchase my book used and it was dedicated to "Matt". He must be on his way to medical school, with best wishes from several friends. Dr. Rachel has many stories about healing for all of us. I hope you have found this book someplace and if you need a book, I recommend a website--Thriftbooks, lots of choices, else give me a call (616-438-1336). So the book starts with about 20 pages of Preface, forward and Introduction, lets discuss those pages briefly and then go on to the first chapters, may be the first twenty pages or so--Through "Style". My book is a 10th anniversary edition--hope our books match--kind of. I am looking forward to connecting with all of you once again. In the mean time enjoy the sunshine and warm weather and blessings to you all!!!! Barb

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85905571948?pwd=zbIBSFrQ5efXmxZ40wFJ0IwfF3sjJi.1

Meeting ID: 85905571948

Passcode: 061094

Dial by your location:

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

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Location:

zoom

Oct 29, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

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Today at 6:30 PM: Tuesday Girlfriends Discussion Group — St. John's United Church of Christ Hello everyone!  In another week we will start our new book, "Kitchen Table Wisdom...stories that heal", by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.   What an interesting book and profound insights.  I purchase my book used and it was dedicated to "Matt".&

Sermon: Son of David, Have Mercy!
Sermon from October 27, 2024 by Marcus Little.

Sermon: Son of David, Have Mercy! — St. John's United Church of Christ Sermon from October 27, 2024 by Marcus Little.

Today at 11:30 AM: Trunk or Treat
St. John’s church will again be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday Oct.27th following the worship service in the back parking lot.

Everyone is invited to wear your favorite costume, decorate your trunk/ vehicle / space around your car, etc. Yes adults/ parents/ grandparents/etc- can all dress up/ wear a costume if they like.

Please bring bags for your goblins/ monsters to gather the treats that each car will be giving out.

We will have apple cider, coffee and donut holes available for all.

If the weather is being scary (rainy, too cold, etc) we will move the event to fellowship hall where each family/ or couple families can decorate/ share a table for the event.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ

1934 Bridge St NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Oct 27, 2024 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Add to my calendar

Today at 11:30 AM: Trunk or Treat — St. John's United Church of Christ St. John’s church will again be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat  event on Sunday Oct.27th following the worship service in the back parking lot.  Everyone is invited to wear your favorite costume, decorate your trunk/  vehicle / space around your car, etc. Yes adults/ p

This Sunday, October 27, 2024
Welcome to Sunday morning! This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support. If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here: http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give . You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC

1934 Bridge ST NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67192ab57e21f95ca8480a01/1729702582065/Children%27s+bulletin+10272024.pdf

Order of Service
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67192a920d6bfc1964eba0af/1729702547220/Order+of+Service+10272024.pdf

Weekly Devotional
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67192ae0ca46d10768ca4c2b/1729702624213/Weekly+Devotional+10272024.pdf

Weekly Journal
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/671b99263de5020764ba904b/1729861927341/Journal+10272024.pdf

This Sunday, October 27, 2024 — St. John's United Church of Christ Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.   If you are unable to join us in-person, please join&

🍂 Spice Up the Season with St. John’s UCC! 🍂

From October 27 - November 24, 2024, we’re hosting a Spice Collection Drive to help stock the pantry at United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM). Let’s come together and share the warmth by donating any of the following items:

🧂 Spices
🍶 Cooking Oil & Olive Oil
🥫 Gravy Packets
🍯 Sugar & Vinegar

📍 Drop Off Location: St. John’s UCC
1934 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Bring your donations to the 10am Sunday service or stop by the office during the week. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors this fall! 🍁

Sunday, October 27, 2024: Trunk or Treat
St. John’s church will again be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday Oct.27th following the worship service in the back parking lot.

Everyone is invited to wear your favorite costume, decorate your trunk/ vehicle / space around your car, etc. Yes adults/ parents/ grandparents/etc- can all dress up/ wear a costume if they like.

Please bring bags for your goblins/ monsters to gather the treats that each car will be giving out.

We will have apple cider, coffee and donut holes available for all.

If the weather is being scary (rainy, too cold, etc) we will move the event to fellowship hall where each family/ or couple families can decorate/ share a table for the event.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ

1934 Bridge St NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Oct 27, 2024 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Add to my calendar

Sunday, October 27, 2024: Trunk or Treat — St. John's United Church of Christ St. John’s church will again be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat  event on Sunday Oct.27th following the worship service in the back parking lot.  Everyone is invited to wear your favorite costume, decorate your trunk/  vehicle / space around your car, etc. Yes adults/ p

Sermon: How to be great according to Jesus
Sermon from October 20, 2024 by Barb Huitema.

Sermon: How to be great according to Jesus — St. John's United Church of Christ Sermon from October 20, 2024 by Barb Huitema.

This Sunday, October 20, 2024
Welcome to Sunday morning! This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support. If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here: http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give . You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC

1934 Bridge ST NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67110bf5955b005834d7af35/1729170421524/Children%27s+Billetin+10202024.pdf

Order of Service
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67110bd5955b005834d7a74a/1729170390839/Order+of+Service+10202024.pdf

Weekly Devotional
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67110c0e2ddc8026407e1308/1729170447108/Weekly+Devotional+10202024.pdf

Weekly Journal
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/671250a22776c107ca0aa842/1729253539157/Journal+10202024.pdf

This Sunday, October 20, 2024 — St. John's United Church of Christ Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m.   If you are unable to join us in-person, please join&

Sermon: The Earth is Full of Your Creatures
Sermon from October 13, 2024 by Bill Newsom.

Sermon: The Earth is Full of Your Creatures — St. John's United Church of Christ Sermon from October 13, 2024 by Bill Newsom.

This Sunday, October 13, 2024
Welcome to Sunday morning! This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m with the blessing of the animals.

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support. If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here: http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give . You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC

1934 Bridge ST NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67054e272023643996e2dcf3/1728400936076/Children%27s+Bulletin+10132024.pdf

Order of Service
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67054e0c3220dc0f9cc82558/1728400908907/Order+of+Service+10132024.pdf

Weekly Devotional
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/67054e424bf14b67615c4504/1728400963107/Weekly+Devotional+10132024.pdf

Weekly Journal
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/6709150567c4575656ffb351/1728648454906/Journal+10132024.pdf

This Sunday, October 13, 2024 — St. John's United Church of Christ Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m with the blessing of the animals. If you are unable to join us in-person

St. John's is Officially Veteran/Military Friendly
We are honored to announce that St. John's UCC Grand Rapids is officially recognized as the first Veteran Military Friendly Congregation in Michigan . 🇺🇸We have committed to providing mental, emotional, and spiritual support to our Veterans, who have given so much to protect our freedom.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who served and to be listed as a resource for Veterans seeking a supportive faith community. Together, we stand ready to offer safety, compassion, and hope. ❤️🤍💙

Learn more about the Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation initiative at vmfc-usa.org .

St. John's is Officially Veteran/Military Friendly — St. John's United Church of Christ We are honored to announce that St. John's UCC Grand Rapids is officially recognized as the first Veteran Military Friendly Congregation in Michigan . 🇺🇸We have committed to providing mental, emotional, and spiritual support to our Veterans, who have given so much to protect our freedom. 

We’re excited to support the incredible work of United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) and invite you to their Harvest of Hope Gala on Friday, November 1st from 6:00-9:30 PM at the Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids.

Enjoy a locally-sourced buffet dinner, a cash bar, live and silent auctions, games, and hear inspiring stories from our community.

🎟 Tickets are just $50, with all proceeds going toward vital services for those in need.
🎯 Ticket deadline is October 18th – reserve your spot today!
💼 Want to make a bigger impact? Sponsor a table for $750 and receive special recognition.

Let’s come together for a night of generosity and hope. 💙
Get your tickets now and help UCOM continue making a difference!
🔗 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/harvest-of-hope/register/

"We're ONE MONTH away! 🎉 Join us for an evening of giving, fun, and community at the Harvest of Hope Fall Fundraiser on November 1st! Secure your spot today. Tickets are limited and only available until October 18—don’t miss out! 🍂✨ "

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/harvest-of-hope/

October 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM: Blessing of the Animals
October 13 is the date of our annual Blessing of the Animals. People friendly pets are invited to attend the service. Those pets that are shy or forget their manners when around children or other animals, may remain home and instead, human companions may bring a photo of their animal friend to be blessed. Children may also bring a special stuffed animal buddy for a blessing.

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ

1934 Bridge St NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

October 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM: Blessing of the Animals — St. John's United Church of Christ October 13 is the date of our annual Blessing of the Animals. People friendly pets are invited to attend the service. Those pets that are shy or forget their manners when around children or other animals, may remain home and instead, human companions may bring a photo of their animal friend to be bl

Sermon: World Communion
Sermon from October 6, 2024 by Rev. Jeffrey Dick.

Sermon: World Communion — St. John's United Church of Christ Sermon from October 6, 2024 by Rev. Jeffrey Dick.

Today at 11:00 AM: Bread Auction
We’re getting very excited for the Annual St. John’s Bread Auction! Mark your calendars for October 6 during coffee hour and start preparing your bread donations.

What is the Bread Auction?

Every year on World Communion Day we ask for donations of bread, muffins, baked goods etc. These can be homemade or store bought. Then our wonderful St. John’s kiddos auction off the bread during coffee hour.

It’s really fun to see these little auctioneers and get some friendly competition going over some delicious goodies! All of the proceeds from the bread auction will go to the Eduction program and will fund the supplies, snacks, crafts, and outings our kiddos enjoy throughout the year.

We will gladly accept cash, check, or credit cards during the Bread Auction and you will get to take your goodies home right away (or consume them during the Auction). We typically have a chili cook-off that day as well which goes very well with bread.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Education Team at [email protected] .

Location:

St. John's United Church of Christ

1934 Bridge St NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Oct 6, 2024 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Add to my calendar

Today at 11:00 AM: Bread Auction — St. John's United Church of Christ We’re getting very excited for the Annual St. John’s Bread Auction! Mark your calendars for October 6 during coffee hour and start preparing your bread donations. What is the Bread Auction? Every year on World Communion Day we ask for donations of bread, muffins, baked goods etc. These can be ho...

Neighbors in Need Special Offering
This year’s Neighbors in Need theme “Mental Health Justice for All: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” highlights our God-given right to mental health.

Everyone is created in God’s image, and everybody should receive quality mental health care.

In 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution to become WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health.

A just world for all is a world where the human rights and well-being of people with mental health challenges are respected, no matter who you are or where you are in life’s mental health journey.

Here are 12 key messages that are important to know:

1. Good mental health is a key part of overall health and wellbeing.

2. Good mental health helps us cope with challenges, connect with others, with God, and thrive throughout our lives.

3. Mental health is vital and deserves to be recognized and respected.

4. Everyone has the right to access quality treatment that meets our unique needs and respects our human rights throughout our lifetime.

5. Mental health challenges are a significant threat to the wellbeing of young people.

6. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world.

7. We must break the silence about mental health challenges.

8. We must dismantle the stigma, shame, and discrimination surrounding mental health challenges.

9. We all have the right to live our lives free from the stigma and discrimination in church, school, and in the workplace.

10. Good, quality, affordable, and accessible community mental health services and supports are crucial for a just world for all.

11. Mental health is fundamental to enjoying a good and meaningful life.

12. Everyone’s mind is beautiful, complex, unique, and made in God’s image.

In a Just World, Mental Health is a Universal Human Right! Please join us in supporting the 2024 Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering.

Donations to Neighbors in Need 2024 can be made online by selecting Neighbors in Need or in-person/by-mail by identifying on your envelope or check that the donation should be applied to Neighbors in Need.

Two-thirds of your donations to NIN support advocacy, programming, and grants. One-third of your generous gifts directly support CAIM.

For more information, visit https://www.ucc.org/nin/

Neighbors in Need Special Offering — St. John's United Church of Christ This year’s Neighbors in Need theme “Mental Health Justice for All: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” highlights our God-given right to mental health. Everyone is created in God’s image, and everybody should receive quality mental health care. In 2015, the General Synod of the United...

This Sunday, October 6, 2024
Welcome to Sunday morning! This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m followed by our annual chili cook-off and bread auction.

If you are unable to join us in-person, please join the worship service on our website at https://stjohnsuccgr.org/worship-online at 10:00 a.m.

There are links below this message to the order of service, the weekly Journal, a children's bulletin for the week's lectionary readings, a youth Bible Study, an Adult Bible Study, and a devotional guide for the week. Please share these resources with your family and friends and know that we are joined together across any distances or difficulties that might separate us.

We are able to provide all of these wonderful services because of your continuing generosity and support. If you are able to give to support our ministries, please do. You can make a donation or set up regular giving by clicking here: http://www.stjohnsuccgr.org/give . You can also simply mail your check to the church:

St. John’s UCC

1934 Bridge ST NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting St. John's. Let us continue to hold each other and the entire world close to our hearts and to the heart of God in prayer.

Youth Bible Study

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/

Children's Bulletin
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffb8e8dcf1469bbf53511/1728052110949/Children%27s+Bulletin+10062024.pdf

Order of Service
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffb68ac622259fbde0407/1728052072702/Order+of+Service+10062024.pdf

Weekly Devotional
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffba4c00a1442d821c1e1/1728052133102/Weekly+Devotional+10062024.pdf

Weekly Journal
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51294ee7e4b03f854ee99725/t/66fffbcb3acf8c132a362d90/1728052172884/Journal+10062024.pdf

This Sunday, October 6, 2024 — St. John's United Church of Christ Welcome to Sunday morning!  This is the day that God has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Please join us for in-person worship at 10:00 a.m followed by our annual chili cook-off and bread auction. If you are unab