Church guide

Gary Larson, cartoonist of "The Far Side," uses humor to wonder about heaven and hell. On Sunday, we will use Revelation 21. Join us at 10:00 am for a time of worship! For more about Larson's work: http://www.thefarside.com/

Two more chances to join us for Fellowship at First - Summer Edition. Come tomorrow, Thursday, at 6 pm. Dinner, Singing and even a rocket launch. You won't want to miss it!

Join us tonight at 6 pm. Come cool off, enjoy dinner, singing and an activity. All ages are welcome. Fellowship at First!

Join us tonight at 6 pm for Fellowship at First Summer edition. Dinner at 6 pm with games to follow. Questions, contact the church office. (616-452-4370)

"I believe in the resurrection of the body!" Imagine what cemeteries might look like when Christ returns and the dead shall be raised! On Sunday, we will listen to Paul describe this dramatic scene and what it means for us today. Joseph Turner's painting provides a "before" view of this most incredible day. https://www.chinaoilpaintinggallery.com/famous-artists-turner-c-141_145

Join us tonight for another Fellowship at First. Light supper at 6 pm, singing to follow and we will end with a craft for all ages. You won't want to miss it!

"You are the body of Christ..." What does that mean? The Apostle Paul has a fascinating way of explaining how each one of us is a part of Christ's body. Join us Sunday at 10:00 am to hear more. The depiction of Jesus comes from the Byzantine mosaics of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Follow the link to learn more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_art

Plan on joining us at First Church this Thursday!

The plans are made; the volunteers are ready…now we’re looking for people to show up for the summer version of Fellowship at First! Thursday, June 20 is the first opportunity to come to church to enjoy a meal and a brief time of fellowship with other church and community families. Rather than fussing with dinner plans at home – come on out to church for grilled hot dogs, some singing, and a brief kick-off activity. This is a great, casual opportunity to encourage and get to know each other a little better. Kids and adults will enjoy!

Why belong to a church? Paul, in Ephesians 4:1-6, offers compelling reasons to come together in such a setting. Join us for our Sunday morning worship (10:00 am) to experience the joy that comes from the unity of the Spirit. The artist, Nguyen Minh Son, depicts a church along the banks of a stream in Vietnam. Learn more at: http://www.vietnamartist.com/product/view-of-church/

Pentecost Sunday celebrates the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Jesus shared with his disciples in John 14:15-21 that the "Spirit of truth" would come to help and be with them forever. Come on Sunday to experience the life-giving activity of the Spirit in our worship at 10:00 am. For more on the artist, Marianne Gonzales, click here: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/marianne-gonzales-sims.html

Unfortunately we will not have an exercise class at First tomorrow, June 8. Please join us next Saturday, June 15, for Soulful Motion at 11 am.

Sheep and goats...what an adorable picture, unless we are talking about the final judgment where these two are forever separated. Come join us this Sunday at 10:00 am as Jesus explains how acts of mercy play a crucial role in the separation process. Check out Matthew 25:31-46 to see where we are headed...

Reminder: Soulful motion will not meet on Saturday. Hope you can join us on June 1 at 11 am.

The day of the Lord is coming...and has been that way for a long time making us wonder if his return matters anymore. On Sunday, at 10:00 am, we will worship our triune God who claims Christ's return makes all the difference in the world. The artist, John Martin, depicts the return of Christ in dramatic fashion. For more, check out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Day_of_His_Wrath

How does an infant, a nursing mother, and a father connect with being "approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel"? Come on Sunday morning at 10:00 am as the apostle Paul offers ways in which we live into the resurrection of Jesus. Our focus will be I Thessalonians 2:1-12...and we will witness a baptism!

The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday, May 2. The theme for 2019 is “Love One Another,” based on John 13: 34, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.” There are several opportunities for prayer throughout the day on Thursday, including: Join a group that will pray at First from 6:30 – 7: 30 am, Set a reminder on your phone to pray throughout the day, Join fellow Christians at Crossroads Bible Church (800 Scribner NW) at 7 pm as we pray for unity in the church, our nation, community, and families.

In about 50 AD, Paul wrote a letter to a brand new church located in the port city of Thessaloniki. While today's view is spectacular, what was even more impressive was how these early followers of Jesus lived into his resurrection. Come on Sunday to the oldest Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids to hear God speaking today through this insightful letter. Our worship service begins at 10:00 am!

At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary experienced a violent earthquake and the appearance of lightning bolt angel who rolls the stone away, sits on it, and announces, "He has Risen." The aftershock of these words reverberate today. Come and worship the crucified Christ on Easter Sunday at 10:00 am. The artist Kevin Casto draws us in to look at the empty tomb. For more on the artist: https://theohioexpressionist.wordpress.com/tag/acrylic-paint/

Jesus is handed over to Roman soldiers who enact a play titled, "Hail, king of the Jews!" complete with costumes and props. They bow down to Jesus before leading him off stage toward Golgotha. Please join us this Palm Sunday to worship the king at 10:00 am. The artist, Steve Penley, depicts the main actor wearing a crown. For more on the artist, check out this link. https://www.penleyartco.com/

Calvin College Capella rehearsing for this Sunday's worship...

Lights out! But not at church...

Does Living Water Freeze?

You read that right, if you are able to read. This is no joke but a serious request that requires your prompt attention. Watch on....

The time is now. No longer are we waiting for the dust to settle. The dust has settled. Now it is up to us to rid the church of settled dust. Saturday, February 24, 9:00 am

Think you know everything you need to know about the Reformation? Think again, even if it hurts to think. The history made on October 31, 1517 has a surprising twist. Only look at this video if you can handle the truth.

Please, before viewing this video, make sure all small children are out of the room. You will want to be sitting down. Brace yourself.