This Week:
On this Creation Season Sunday, Suzanne McDonald will preach from Colossians 1:15-20 and Deuteronomy 22:6-7 in our service in the large worship space. Rev. Andrew Mead will preach from Colossians 1:15-20 in the All Nations Worship Service in room 4.
The 10 am Standard English Service will also be broadcast via Zoom. Sign up for our Newsletter to receive the Zoom links.
Children’s Ministry News:
Please Register Your Child(ren)/Grand(children) Before the Prize Drawing on Sept. 3! If you haven’t already registered all children under 18 in your household (or grandchildren who attend occasionally with you) for the 2023-2024 ministry season please use this registration link to register today! This is important even if your children don’t participate in programming, because we use this information to mark milestones like Bibles for 2nd grade and high school graduation. Paper forms will be available on Sunday in the café, at the back of the All Nations Service, and at Tables and Tours. When you register your household, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize. One family from each of our services will be awarded a handwoven basket that includes a Christ candle, candle holder, and family devotional cards, plus coffee, candy bars, and a Tree of life trivet. Please register this week to be included in the prize drawing on Sunday, Sept. 3! You do not need to be present to win.
Children at the Lord’s Supper Class, Sept. 24, 11:45am-12:30pm in the Living Room. We’re offering the next Children at the Lord’s Supper class during the Sunday school hour on Sept. 24. This class is for children who are interested in learning more about the Lord’s Supper, and participating it, to attend with a parent. I know of several people interested in the class, but please reach out by email (jo.howe@coscrc.org), text (616) 238-1324, phone call, or Whatsapp (same number) to confirm you’ll be available to attend on Sept. 24. And which child(ren) you’ll be bringing. I’ll respond with further details about the class.
Church News:
Estimated General Fund Giving for August: $130,886
Giving for July: $85,590
August 2022 Giving: $103,919
The COS Human Resources Team is looking for some additional members. The Team meets a few times a year to review policies, job descriptions, and review budgetary items that pertain to staff. If you are interested in participating on the HR Team, contact Corrie Vos, chair.
Worship Leader Training – All scripture readers, liturgists, and intercessory prayer leaders, including those who have led in these roles for years and years and those who never have before but might be interested in leading in the future, are strongly encouraged to attend the worship leader training on Sunday, September 10 after worship. We will begin all together in the GPS room at 11:45 am with an overview of the parts of our liturgy and their functions. We will later split into sessions specific to each role. Lunch will be provided. We will be finished by 1:15pm.
Job Opening:
Position: Facilities Coordinator
Hours: 15 hours a week
COS is resuming the All-Church Sunday Meals and Wednesday Clubs Meals in October. On meal Sundays, everyone is invited to remain after worship to eat and fellowship in the Café. On Wednesday Club dates, everyone is invited to have a meal before Clubs begin. However, we are looking for additional volunteers who will stay after the meal and assist the kitchen staff with clean up. This may include wiping down tables, breaking down of tables and chairs, bussing tables, etc. If this is a ministry in which you would be willing to assist, contact the church office at 616.956.7611 or office@coscrc.org.
A member of the All Nations fellowship is looking for opportunities to clean homes as a supplement to her full-time job. If you or anyone you know would welcome extra help around the house with cleaning or other chores, please contact Pastor Andrew (andrew.mead@coscrc.org).
Looking for an appropriate way to kick off the liturgical season of creation (Sept 1 – Oct 4) and this year’s focus on ‘refuge’ at COS? Join us for a ‘refugia gardens’ tour on Labor Day (Sept 4). Here are the details:
· 6:00-6:30 pm – Debra Rienstra hosts
· 6:45-7:15 pm – Ginny Kuilema hosts
· 7:30-8:00 pm – Dave and Karen Koetje host
You are welcome to take in the whole tour or join in as you are available. You can sign up via this online form: https://forms.gle/Wn4rjz8BV1rXHPkW9
The COS grounds are flourishing! Our native plants are growing rapidly and look lovely. But they need some TLC from volunteers who can adopt a garden or section of a garden. Adopter responsibilities include preparing the garden bed in the spring, weeding 3-4 times a summer, watering if there is a drought, transplanting if an area is too thin with plants, and preparing the beds in the fall for their winter nap. Here’s a list of the garden areas, a map of the gardens, and a list of plants in each area with pictures. Do you see an area that you could adopt? If so, please contact Hope Bradley or Monica Smith.
Please join us for the ESL/International Women’s Bible study starting Thursday, September 14 at 10 a.m. We come from many countries and would love to add your voice too! This fall we will be studying the book of Daniel, trying to discern God’s direction about how to live as his people in troubled times. Childcare will be provided. Any questions? Contact Barbara Hampton.
Black History Bus Tour of Detroit September 23, 2023. Join the Classis Grand Rapids East Racial Justice team on September 23, 2023 for a Black History Tour of Detroit. While this is a bus trip, there will be some walking through museums and in and out of locations. Our bus limit is 54 people. To reserve your spot, checks of a donation of $30 (addressed to Grand Rapids Classis East) can be mailed to Cindy VanderKodde. Questions can be emailed to Becky Witte: beckywitte@sbcglobal.net and more information can be found at https://rb.gy/s7w0g