Church guide

Our very own Anne Elzinga was brought under care of Classis North Grand Rapids on Tuesday, May 21. Congratulations, Anne! God bless you as you discern your call to ministry. “...walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12, ESV) www.centralreformedchurch.org

“...See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” -Matthew 6:28-29 www.centralreformedchurch.org

Passing the peace during Music Sunday, May 5. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15) Photo credit: Greg Young Connecting all people to God and to one another! www.centralreformedchurch.org

A glorious Music Sunday at Central! Glory be to God!

Spring golf outing at Boulder Creek Golf Club. Doesn’t feel like spring, but hey, it’s sunny!

Congregational choir singing Handel’s Messiah on Easter. “And he shall reign forever and ever.” See Revelation 11:15. Glory to God! Photo credit: Dale Austin www.centralreformedchurch.org

Eight of our youth made profession of faith today. It was a meaningful part of worship as we welcomed them into the membership of the church. How fitting that we should celebrate their faith and lives on this day, in which we remember the promise of life fulfilled in Christ!

Enjoy these photos from our Easter worship celebration, including this excerpt from Rev. Pierce’s sermon: “There’s an ancient sermon about Easter by an unknown author. It recounts the traditional image of the crucified Jesus descending to Hell to break the chains that hold the dead in bondage. He seeks Adam and Eve, the original man and woman. Finding them in the deepest tomb, he smashes down the prison door. He shakes them awake with these words: ‘You were not made for death!’” Life Wins! Happy Easter! www.centralreformedchurch.org

Rev. Larry Schuyler and Rev. Steven Pierce led this morning’s Easter Sunrise Service at Kent Country Club. A glorious morning in worship! He is Risen...just as he said! Happy Easter! www.centralreformedchurch.org

An excerpt from Rev. Steven Pierce’s Maundy Thursday message: “‘Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end’ (John 13:1b). Quite something, isn’t it? Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of his disciples, disowned by another, and deserted by all of them for a time. Still, he showed them the full extent of his love and commanded them to love one another. While Jesus’ standard is high, his power to help is even higher.”

Eight of our youth will be making Profession of Faith on Easter Sunday, April 21 at 9:30 am. We thank God for them and that they are taking this important step in their faith journey. We also thank God for their shepherds who have guided them every step of the way.

Our senior minister, Steve Pierce, was featured on the national radio program Day1 (formerly “The Protestant Hour”). Use the link below to listen to his interview and Palm Sunday sermon. He talks about the Reformed Church in America (RCA), his involvement with the Commission on History (RCA), our ministries here at Central, his own call to ministry, and what it looks like to praise God in all things. http://day1.org/

“They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13)

Today we were joined by Rev. Dr. John Messer, Executive for the Great Lakes Region, Reformed Church in America. We had an opportunity to discuss the future of our denomination and the work of the 2020 Vision Team.

The Journey Retreat at Camp Geneva. Several of our youth took another important step in their faith journey this weekend. They have decided to follow Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, taking their place among God’s covenant people, letting the light of their lives shine in the darkness, and using their spiritual gifts to further God’s kingdom. It was a BIG step in a lifelong adventure of faith!

We are glad to partner with T2C Studio: Grand Rapids Center for College Success. Our Christian Action Team delivered snacks and treats on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the video! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VAWGVJog5D4

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a forty-day season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter. This is a day for prayer and public confession of sins. The biblical witness is found in the opening epic of the human story: “You are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). In the tenth century the use of ashes was employed in visibly reminding worshippers of their mortality as they began their Lenten “watch by the cross.” The ashes are a vivid and tangible reminder of our sinfulness and mortality and of our utter dependence upon the grace of God and the power of Christ’s resurrection. Worship & Holy Communion Wednesday, March 6 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm Dykstra Chapel www.centralreformedchurch.org

Youth Sunday was inspiring! Here our youth and a few adults sing “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150), arranged by our new director for music ministries, Taemin Han. We were reminded that our youth are indeed the church of tomorrow and today and of yesterday...as are all of God’s children! With special thanks to Anne Elzinga, interim youth director, for assisting our youth as they led us into the presence of God.

“They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13)

40 high schoolers from Forest Hills Northern are here now working for Unity Day!

AGO Concert at Central for hundreds of 4th graders around the area.