Happening This Sunday

Sunday July 7 in our large sanctuary service, we welcome Rev. Jack Roeda to the pulpit. We will have the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of Lucas Westrate, son of Tony & Allison Westrate, and Juniper Rodeheaver-Van Gelder, daughter of Adam & Laura Rodeheaver-Van Gelder.

Tony and Allison partner with Wycliffe and Resonate Global Missions as teachers at Rain Forest International School in Yaoundé, Cameroon.  Adam & Laura have been working as chaplains at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania.  They are finishing their time of service at the university along with their service as partner missionaries with Resonate Global Missions and have recently moved back to the US.

Also this Sunday, Rev. Troy Bierma will bring the message in our Basic English Service. Troy is the Resident Outreach Pastor for Immigrant and Refugee Ministries at COS. He and his wife Faith have been overseas missionaries in Bangladesh and Nepal with Resonate Global Mission and have recently transitioned to life in the US.

Youth News

High School: Cedar Point August 3! The votes have been tallied and August 3 works best for our Cedar Point Trip. We still need more drivers, so let Annette know if you can drive to Cedar Point. Friends are welcome to join us. Cost is $40 plus money for food. Cost for drivers is $20 plus money for food. Annette will place a signup sheet in the café this weekend. Spots can be reserved until July 21. Also, please remember that Cedar point trip is for seventh graders through first year in college. It’s not a high school student only trip! Woo Hoo!

Save the Date – For camping on Lake Michigan at Pioneer County Park in Muskegon August 11-13. Space is limited to 15 high school students and the cost is $10 per person. A sign-up sheet is located in the café.

Middle School: Movies with Meaning on Tuesday, July 9 6-10 pm –Double feature!! Whale Rider and Time Bandits…don’t miss it!

Church News

Members of the ministry staff will be away periodically this summer. If a pastoral need arises, please reach out to the following staff during these dates:

July 6-14, Minister of Congregational Life, Chris Klein

July 15-20, Pastor Andrew Mead or Minister of Congregational Life, Chris Klein

July 21-27, Pastor Andrew Mead

July 27-Aug. 9, Pastor Karen Campbell or Minister of Congregational Life, Chris Klein

Giving Update:

Our giving for the week of Sunday June 30 totaled $17,833.45 (including weekly online giving). Our current giving for the month of June was $127,840.37.

Ways to Give: As we enjoy the summer season when vacations might keep you away from church, please be aware of the various ways you can still give to Church of the Servant. These ways include giving online via credit card, setting up ACH, using the Giveplus Church app from VANCO, or giving via text message to 616-326-2075. To learn more about these options–as well as details on giving through IRAs and Appreciated Stocks–please visit coscrc.org/waystogive or simply click on “Giving” from the COS homepage. If you have questions about giving, please contact aj.zahrt@coscrc.org . Thank you!

The memory caregiver’s support group meets this week Tues., July 9 at 10am.

Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Group Summer Programs

Wednesday, July 17, 6:45pm: Film Screening, Dessert and Discussion, COS Youth Room. Join us to watch and discuss the award-winning documentary For the Bible Tells Me So (2007). The film includes interviews with five Christian families, including the parents of V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. The film’s goal is not to increase opposition but to explore the complicated intersection of gender, sexuality, and Christianity. All are welcome. Dessert will be provided.

July 21 and August 18, 6:30pm: Sunday Evening Book Club, Home of Lisa VanArragon & Chris Smit, 1850 Mayberry St SE, GR 49508

Young Adult fiction gives readers of all ages the opportunity to think about coming-of-age, identity, friendship, and belonging. The Sunday Evening Book Club will read two acclaimed YA novels this summer. See schedule below. All are welcome.

Sunday, July 21: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Saenz (2012) (368 pages)

Sunday, August 18: Little and Lion, Brandy Colbert (2017) (336 pages)

The Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Group is open to everyone interested in joining our discussions and programs on gender and sexuality. All are welcome. Our events are safe spaces, planned with the goal of the full inclusion and participation of people who identify as LGBTQ+ and their families.

COS is hoping to appoint a Basic English Service Music Coordinator to help and lead in the planning of the BES worship services that welcome and utilize the creative and spiritual expression of congregants’ gifts.  This is a part time position (12 hours a week for an initial period of one year).  For further details consult the church’s website at coscrc.org/jobs 

Church of the Servant is scheduled to bring dinner and entertainment to the West Michigan Friendship Center, a Christian ministry that serves the Arabic Muslim community located at 3665 29th St. S.E., on August 2.  We need about 10 individuals or families to make this possible.  Initially, we are thinking of doing an American-style cook-out (no pork, of course) and some fun outdoor games, but we are open to suggestions from others who want to volunteer.