Fifth Reformed Church Blog

LIFE Groups Video

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:52:00 GMT

Spiritual Life Survey

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:51:00 GMT

As you might know, our purpose at Fifth Church is “Growing disciples who make disciples.” To that end, we hope to foster an environment in our congregation that helps us all grow in Christ and that equips us all to help others do the same.In the recent “Marks of a Disciple” series, I often mentioned the REVEAL Spiritual Life Survey. Fifth is participating in this survey, and I am very interested in the “snapshot” of the church that we will receive through the results of this survey.

That’s why we need your help.

We are asking every adult who considers Fifth their church home, to individually click on the survey link below to take the REVEAL Spiritual Life Survey, which asks questions about your spiritual life and the role Fifth Church plays in it. Since the survey touches on a wide range of thought-provoking issues, you should anticipate needing 35 - 40 minutes to complete it.

Let me assure you:
This survey is completely anonymous. An expert third-party research organization will aggregate your input with responses from thousands of other people, so your survey will not be viewed individually.
You will not be solicited for any products or services as a result of taking this survey.
Your email address will not be distributed to another party.

We will close the survey on Monday, May 07, 2012.

Thanks & blessings,

Pastor Jon

Survey Link: www.Fifthsurvey.org

If you run into problems with the survey, please contact Jan Fields at his email, or (616) 450-9624.

VBS Summer 2012!!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:26:00 GMT

Vacation Bible School provides an opportunity to not only minister to the children at both Fifth & Plymouth Heights CRC church, but it allows us to reach into the community as well. Last year, over two thirds of the 120 children who participated were non Fifth kids! At Sky VBS, kids imagine what it would be like to bounce among the clouds, soar with eagles, and reach for the stars. Start soaring now - register here to be a part of this Sky VBS! This journey will change kids forever. Each day, children will see how much God loves people by participating in many activities that help their faith flow into real life. If you would like to become a volunteer or donate items click here. If you have any questions, please e-mail Krista Batdorff or call the church office at 245-9247.

LINKS:

Link for parents to register children for VBS:

www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/FifthPlymouthVBS

Link for Volunteering time or donating items for VBS:

www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/872345632390880062

Did You know?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Hey friends and family!

We continue to add more features to this new website, and want to make sure you can use it as easily as possible.

One of our newest features is a "search" bar at the top of the website. It might be obvious, but here, you can search

for something you read in another news article, specific sermons, events and so on. As an example, I typed in the

word, "disciple" in the search bar, and here (click) is the result!

More features are coming soon, including a discussion board where you will be able to discuss implications of recent

sermons, submit prayer requests, post event ideas, if you own a business you can put up your services for all of us

to utilize and more!

We are also going to be launching a "Members" log-in page that will co-incide with our new photo directory

(see announcement). Here, you'll be able to create a username and password and find an online version of the new

directory, and even more features!

We are also revamping the sermon media files so you can sync them via Itunes and put them on your Ipod's (or other

mp3 players). If you ever have questions or concerns, please contact our website director, Chad Farrand.

Church Photo Directory 2012

Sat, 19 May 2012 16:06:00 GMT

We are beginning the process of updating our photo directory. The times and dates will appear on the front page of

our website. Based on availability of our photographers, we will have times for you to get your pictures taken before

and after worship services. If you'd like to sign up for a time slot, please click the link below.

Blessings to you!

Please click here to sign up.

Habitat For Humanity

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:40:00 GMT

Join the Fun!
Habitat for Humanity has created small renovation projects that will be completed in a week or less. Volunteers will perform exterior repairs, painting or landscaping. If swinging a hammer or digging in the dirt doesn’t appeal to you, there will be volunteer opportunities to provide snacks, sending out communication notices and other less messy tasks. Come to an exploratory meeting on Sunday, April 22 after the service and learn more about this community service opportunity.
The meeting will be held in the East Community Room (the room behind the kitchen). Contact John Leegwater 452-2754 or Lori Kane 949-9700 with questions.

Job Openings April, 2012

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:29:00 GMT

We currently have two open positions. They are listed below:

Job Posting - Young Child Ministries Coordinator (job description)
Fifth Reformed Church is now accepting resumes for the stipend position of Young Child Ministries Coordinator. This is a 20-hour-per-month position that reports to the Children's Ministries Director. Responsibilities include to lead, coach and develop people willing to serve as Ministry Partners in caring for the youngest members of Fifth Church, and understand the critical role that ministries to young children play in connecting with families that might not be connected to Christ and lead all Ministry Partners in understanding the same. A full position description is available here. Please submit your resumes to rkindle@fifthrc.org as a Word document or by dropping them by the church office.

Volunteer for Stations of the Cross

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:32:00 GMT

Volunteer to help during the Stations of the Cross

March 28 - 31st

Set up for the Stations

Monday April 2-4

11am-1pm (4x)

3pm-5pm (4x)

5pm-7pm (4x)

Maundy Thursday April 5th

11am-1pm

Volunteer for Stations of the Cross

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:06:00 GMT

Volunteer to help during the Stations of the Cross

March 28 - 31st

Set up for the Stations

Monday April 2-4

11am-1pm (4x)

3pm-5pm (4x)

5pm-7pm (4x)

Maundy Thursday April 5th

11am-1pm

Friday April 6th

Noon-4pm

Saturday April 7th

Noon-2pm

Night with Art Prize artist, Dan Van Duinen

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:26:00 GMT

“A Night with the Artist,” Dan Van Duinen, will be held at Fifth Reformed Church on Tuesday, March 27^th from 7-8 pm. During Holy Week, April 1-7, Fifth Church is honored to connect to the Western Michigan Artistic Community and incorporate Van Duinen’s photographic piece, “In Light of Suffering” into the “Thieves on the Cross Station.”

Dan is a commercial photographer by profession – and you may also recognize the names of his brothers, Tracy, Corey and Randy, also Art Prize artists. On March 27^th we will share a short question and answer session with the artist as well as some refreshments. Come hear what inspired Dan to create and include last year’s Art Prize exhibit. Then also sign-up to attend Fifth Church’s interactive Stations of the Cross between April 1 & 7. http://www.fifthrc.org/_bpost_11035/Stations_of_the_Cross_Sign_Up%21

Fifth Reformed Church is located at 2012 Griggs, SE, Grand Rapids, MI.

www.fifthrc.org/616.245.9247

Marks of a Disciple - Sacrificing March 18th, 2012

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Marks of a Disciple: Sacrificing

Disciples of Jesus follow Jesus in giving away their lives. (sermon audio)

Of all the marks of a disciple, this is the capstone – a willingness to sacrifice of oneself to follow Jesus. By definition, a disciple is follower of Jesus, not just someone who is intrigued by Jesus or thinks highly of him. Disciples of Jesus are followers of Jesus, so when we talk about Growing disciples who make disciples, we are talking about growing people who: 1) follow Jesus faithfully no matter the cost and 2) help others do the same.

The dictionary defines sacrifice as the “surrender of something for the sake of something else.” And that is exactly what God has done for us in Jesus. Jesus willingly gave his life for us, not simply as a model of selfless living for us to follow (though his example certainly is that) but as a sacrifice for our sin.

Think about that truth. Pick up the Bible and read Hebrews 10:1-14. Let your heart ponder this sweet center of the Gospel – “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Theologians call it substitutionary atonement. Simply put – Jesus died in our place, and that death reopened the possibility of a relationship with God.

Throughout the series, we have been looking at the stages of spiritual growth as defined by the REVEAL study:

The idea is that all of us are on a spiritual journey and called to keep moving spiritually, to be growing people. The ultimate goal of following Jesus is to become more and more like Jesus, not simply to use Christianity to improve our lives. A distinguishing characteristic of a Christ-Centered person is a mindset of surrender. “Rather than expecting Jesus to be there for the sole purpose of helping them with their lives, they respond to his call to sacrifice and lay down their lives to serve Jesus and advance his mission in the world” (Move, Greg Hawkins & Cally Parkinson, p.93). This is what it means to be a sacrificing person.

In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul tells us to follow the example Jesus when he offered up his life for us (Eph. 5:1-2). In Romans, Paul writes this: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” Basically, this means “live as if you’ve died to yourself.” It is exactly what Rob Ellis was getting at in the March 16 devotional he contributed to our Lenten Devotional Guide. Rob wrote this: “This is the true meaning of discipleship—the suffering through the loss of our natural self by denying its sinful lusts.”

This death to self becomes visible to others through a willingness to sacrifice of self to follow Jesus. A willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others is love. And as the old song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

Disciples of Jesus follow Jesus in giving away their lives.

The Marks of a Disciple - Serving 03/13/2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

Marks of a Disciple: Serving

Disciples of Jesus follow Jesus by serving others.

(sermon audio)

As tough as it may be to be a joyful giver, in some ways serving is even more difficult than giving. Giving is about giving money and serving is about giving of our time.

In Mark 10: 35-45, James and John request places of honor from Jesus. First of all, that decision isn’t Jesus’ to make. Also of importance is the reaction of the other disciples—they were upset! Upset that James and John requested something that should be freely given, and upset that they hadn’t thought of asking Jesus the same thing first.

“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you” (Mark 10:42-43).

Jesus reminds the disciples that true power lies in caring and advocating for the powerless. Much like today, in the

disciples’ time powerful people were hoarding resources because they could. Jesus tells them that some people in

positions of power misuse their authority, but that is not to be the case for followers of Jesus.

“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave

of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”

(Mark 10:43-45).

God measures greatness in service and servant-heartedness. Jesus is our example in this. He didn’t come to be served;

the passage above clearly states the action Jesus came to do: serve and give. If Jesus came to do these very things and

Christians are called to be like Jesus, then clearly Christians should be marked by their giving and serving.

Giving and serving speak to releasing things of great value to us – our money and our time. Both are essential marks of a

disciple, and important because of why God instructs us to do them. His purpose is to work out full redemption in us:

to grow us, stretch us, make us more like Jesus. As we talked about last week, giving has the potential to lead our hearts closer

to Christ. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The same is true of serving.

A study of over 1000 congregations in North America assessed how people experience spiritual growth. They found five

catalysts that moved people in subsequent growth areas:

Salvation by Grace: I believe nothing I do or have done can earn my salvation
The Trinity: I believe the only true God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Serve the Church: I serve in a ministry once a month or more
Prayer to Seek Guidance: I pray to seek guidance for my life
Reflection on Scripture: I reflect on Scripture for meaning in my life

This shows the significance of serving. The survey found that serving is THE most catalytic experience offered by the

church. (The other catalysts rely more on personal growth and belief.) Here at Fifth, this responsibility rests with the

Pastoral Deacons, who lead the congregation in ministries of mercy, service and outreach. They don’t do all the serving

themselves. They lead us in serving.

So we serve not just because we are commanded to in the Bible, but because we understand why the Bible commands

us to serve:

It’s the right thing to do as a gracious response to all God has done for us.
When we serve, God works in us to make us more like Jesus.

Disciples of Jesus follow Jesus by serving others.

Stations of the Cross Sign Up!

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:11:00 GMT

Stations of the Cross ~ Holy Week, April 1-8

The extended hours for Stations of the Cross this year are:

April 1 (Palm Sunday) Noon-2

April 2, 3, 4 11 am-1 pm & 3 -7 pm

April 5 (Maundy Thurs) 11 am-1 pm & 3-6 pm

April 6 (Good Friday) Noon-4 pm

April 7 Noon -2 pm

We request you sign up for a time slot to attend and allow 45-60 minutes to go thru the event. To register your attendance,

please use the sign-up sheets near the hub in the lobby OR click on the yellow button below to register online!

(Participant Sign Up)

Job Opening - RCA

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:51:00 GMT

REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA

FOLLOWING CHRIST IN MISSION

SHARON HAYES
PERSONNEL DIRECTOR
4500 60th Street S.E. • Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 698-7071 ext. 232 (800) 968-3943 Fax: (616) 698-6606
shayes@rca.org

RCA Mission and Vision Statement

The Reformed Church in America is a fellowship of congregations called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be the
very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. Our shared task is to equip congregations for ministry—a thousand churches in a
million ways doing one thing—following Christ in mission,
in a lost and broken world so loved by God.

JOB POSTING

Executive Assistant for CAPS, Congregational Mission & Disabilities Ministry

The Reformed Church in America is looking for a poised, experienced, and professional Executive Assistant to
support the Director of Communications, Director of Congregational Mission, and Coordinator of Disabilities
Ministry in carrying out the responsibilities of their respective offices.

The Executive Assistant must provide a full range of timely, confidential, administrative, executive support,
and other related services, to the Directors and Coordinator. This includes support for cluster management
responsibilities, organizing meetings, event planning, preparing high quality documents, expense reports,
correspondence, submissions and related material, in order to support the activities and goals of the staff
clusters.

The ideal candidate should have previous experience working with high level management, handling
confidential information, and financial management support. This individual should have exceptional clerical
skills, experience with Google mail, Microsoft Office Suite programs such as, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and a
demonstrated ability in using a database. In addition, he or she should possess a strong attention to detail,
the ability to anticipate the needs of the Executive, a teamwork mentality, and a positive attitude at all times.
Excellent skills are required in the following areas: communication (both verbal and written), organizational,
problem solving, and time management.

Grade: 14
Salary range: Commensurate with experience
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please email a letter of interest with your resume by March 23, 2012, to Sharon Hayes: shayes@rca.org

The GSC believes that people of all races and ethnicities are created in God’s own image and that its employees are the key to the
ministry to which we have been called. Unlawful discrimination and harassment are contrary to its values and adversely affects all
of us in the workplace. Therefore, the GSC generally subscribes to a philosophy and practice of equal employment opportunity and
diversity. It recognizes its moral and social responsibility to go beyond the provisions of statutory laws, and to support and contribute
to the wider process of change through all aspects of its work and practices in order to eliminate discrimination and promote equality
and diversity. The GSC is committed to ensure that its recruiting, hiring, promotion, and other employment practices and procedures
do not unlawfully discriminate against individuals based on any protected characteristic.

Job Opening - Family Promise of Grand Rapids

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:56:00 GMT

Family Promise is looking for a part time case manager. This person will assist with support services offered to guests in our different programs at the Day Center during the week. A short description is attached with contact information included.

cheryl@familypromisegr.org
www.familypromisegr.org

Ending homelessness...one family at a time!

Check out our Family Promise Facebook Page

Job Description

Family Promise of Grand Rapids, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking an organized, compassionate and highly motivated Housing and Family Services Coordinator and Case Manager. This Part Time team member will report to the Family Promise Executive Director.

Minimum Requirements
• Four-year BSW degree (or related degree) required. Master’s Degree Preferred.
• 3 years’ experience in direct service/administration related to housing, shelter, or family
services preferred.
• Experience in non-profit sector effectively working with volunteers and donors.
• Understanding of scientific program evaluation standards (best practices).
• Excellent communication skills, including both written and verbal communications.
• Must have strong project-management skills. Must be detail oriented and able to execute
projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word/PowerPoint/Excel.
• Needs to be familiar and comfortable working in a faith-based environment.

Primary Duties

The Housing and Family Services Coordinator and Case Manager will:

• Perform all intake and exit interviews.
• Develop and deliver the provision of services related to financial literacy and budgeting,
housing plans, workforce development, educational planning, health and wellness referrals
for clients participating in Family Promise programs.
• Manage the disbursement and tracking of all goods and services provided to clients.
• Hours between 9am-2pm, Monday –Friday.

More information at www.familypromisegr.org

Application Deadline – March 16th or until filled.

To Apply, please send resume and cover letter to: FamilyPromise@FamilyPromiseGR.org or mail to:

Executive Director
Family Promise of Grand Rapids
906 S. Division Ave, STE 205
Grand Rapids, MI 49507