# First Reformed Church of Portage > A vibrant church in a classic building. ## Posts - [Weekly Update for January 1, 2026](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-1-2026/): Happy New Year! We just want to say welcome to 2026 and remind you of the cool church wide “challenges” that start today. First, Pray! If you missed this past Sunday, you may have missed Kyle’s challenge to make this a year of prayer. A prayer guide was handed out for January, 2026. Each month, a new guide will be made so you can pray the same prayer daily with your church family. You can use each day’s prayer as a single prayer, a “launchpad” for talking with God, or a meditation that you repeat throughout the day. Pray it […] - [Bulletin for January 4, 2026](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-january-4-2026/) - [Bulletin for December 28, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-december-28-2025/) - [Bulletin for December 21, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-december-21-2025/) - [Weekly Update for December 17, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-december-17-2025/): Ben Leading Worship Just a reminder that Ben Kunkel will be leading worship for us on December 28th as a part of his application as Worship Intern. Please remember to be in prayer for Ben as he will be leading a worship practice this week in prep for the 28th. Property Team Updates First, we’d like to welcome Tom St. Peter as leader of the Property Team. After some thought and prayer, Tom agree to take over for…Tom (of the Byholt variety) as leader of the team. Additionally, thank you to some of the team members (Ron and Don Terpstra) […] - [Weekly Update for December 11, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-december-11-2025/): Bethlehem Journey in the Books We had another great year with living nativity play. We had approximately 750 participants, lower than year’s past but we had non-stop groups all three nights (except for the very end of Thursday). We also tried new things (some that worked and some that didn’t) like the Game Show quiz in the waiting time (worked!) and also different heaters to safe our rental and propane cost (mostly didn’t work). We also had new actors, some who don’t have a church but are now interested in coming (amen!) and also many positive comments from participants like […] - [Bulletin for December 14, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-december-14-2025/) - [Bulletin for December 7, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-december-7-2025/) - [Weekly Update for December 3, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-december-3-2025/): Can you help us promote Bethlehem Journey? Though we don’t have an official social media presence, would you be willing to share our Bethlehem Journey link on yours? Or invite your family and friends through text or email! Performances are tomorrow and Friday from 6-8pm, and Saturday 6-8:30pm. And you let people know we have some new elements this year including a fun “game show” during the Sanctuary waiting time. If you’d like to share on social media, copy and past this link into a post: https://frcportage.com/the-bethlehem-journey/ Tech Team iPad Donation The Tech Team recently had additional training on the […] - [Services cancelled 11/30/25](https://frcportage.com/services-cancelled-11-30-25/): We are closing this morning due to the heavy snow. While most main roads have been plowed, they are still quite slick and slushy. And most back roads and neighborhoods have yet to be cleared and would not be passable for most cars. Stay warm and safe today! With additional snow forecasted through midday, we will cancel Bethlehem Journey rehearsal at noon. Keep practicing those parts and we will see you for dress rehearsal Wednesday. - [Weekly Update for November 26, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-november-26-2025/): Annual Congregational Meeting This Monday, December 1, at 7:00 PM is our Annual Congregational Meeting. The main topics of business are the votes to approve the proposed slate for Consistory and the 2026 budget. You must be a member to vote but all are welcome to attend the meeting. Proxy ballots are available through the office or at the welcome center this Sunday. Weather! Tis the season for snow and cancellations. Just a reminder that we will publish any closures for Sunday services or other programs as soon as possible on as many channels as possible. This includes Church Center […] - [Bulletin for November 30, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-november-30-2025/) - [Bulletin for November 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-november-23-2025/) - [Bulletin for November 16, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-november-16-2025/) - [Weekly Update for November 12, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-november-12-2025/): Speed Record Set A huge thank you to everyone who came out last night to help with Bethlehem Journey set move in! We had around 30 people and all of the materials were put inside in about 30 minutes! That has to be a record. And then people stuck around and started on scene setup, helping us get ahead of schedule. A sincere thank you for being generous with your time. If you were busy last night or are hungry for more, set up continues tonight and tomorrow night. Contact Pam Reeves for details on exact times and needs. For […] - [Bulletin for November 9, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-november-9-2025/) - [Weekly Update for November 5, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-november-5-2025/): Family Fun at First tonight Come get some free food and good fellowship at 6:00 PM here at church. Thanksgiving Service On November 23rd, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will have our annual “Thanksgiving” service. Our service looks a little different on this day as we take extra time to open up the mic to the congregation to praise God by sharing publicly things they are thankful for from the past year. Feel free to spend some time in advance thinking about or writing down things you could say. Even if you choose not to share, it’s good for your […] - [Bulletin for November 2, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-november-2-2025/) - [Bulletin for October 26, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-october-26-2025/) - [Weekly Update for October 22, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-october-22-2025/): KidZ KamP Trick or Treat Event Tonight Don’t forget tonight is a KidZ KamP event with candy, costumes and snacks! 6:00 PM at church. Bethlehem Journey Update We are “close” to filling out our cast. We do have about four main parts that still need to be filled so if you or a friend would be willing to help out, please let Kyle know! We will have our first cast meeting and read through on Sunday, November 2 at 12:15 PM. For those helping with set up, please mark your calendars for November 8 (ceiling decoration starts), and November 11 […] - [Bulletin for October 19, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-october-19-2025/) - [Weekly Update for October 14, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-october-14-2025/): Worship Team Guests this Sunday With Jan and Bill enjoying some time away, we are giving the Praise Team a week off as well. Filling in will be a group of college students from Spring Arbor University, most who have participated in a traveling worship team that led worship at Camp Selah this summer when Kyle spoke there. As with any guest, let’s warmly welcome them and enjoy worshiping the Lord together with new friends. Jordan Valley Men’s Hike There’s still time! The colors are popping and the steaks will be sizzlin’. Two days of hiking. Or one. Or none! […] - [Bulletin for October 12, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-october-12-2025/) - [Bulletin for October 5, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-october-5-2025/) - [Weekly Update for October 8, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-october-8-2025/): Tidbits Yes, Baby Jesus needs your help We want to tell Jesus’ birth story to our community and possibly connect them with a church home this Decembewr. So go ahead, click the link and request to join the Bethlehem Journey 2025 group. It’s always more fun than you think it will be, helps you get to know others in the church, and delights 1,200 people of all ages in our community. Sign up here: https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/bethlehem-journey-2025 Michigan Catalyst Network Annual Gathering – November 6, 2025 If you’d like to be a part of connecting with our local network MCN within the […] - [Weekly Update for October 1, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-october-1-2025/): Family Fun at First Tonight! Join us for pizza and out of the box thinking tonight at 6:00pm for FFF. It’s a free meal and a nice time to catch up with some friends. Thank You Service Saturday Volunteers! The Service Saturday this weekend wasn’t highly attended, but we still got quite a bit done! We got all around the pole barn cleaned up, trees trimmed in the yard and off the barn, basketball backboards installed, the turn around yard edged and the front sidewalk edged (got about 12″ of cement back). Plus the church life team got their storage […] - [Bulletin for September 28, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-september-28-2025/) - [Weekly Update for September 25, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-september-25-2025/): Service Saturday in Two Days! If you can spare some time this Saturday morning (9/27), we would greatly appreciate the help with some projects around church. We will start right at 8:00 AM with a meeting in the Fellowship Hall (with coffee and donuts) and divide up into project-based teams. The projects currently are 1) Church Life storage relocation, 2) Basketball Hoop install, 3) Parking Lot Light post pour, 4) Pole Barn Trash removal, 5) Parsonage Garage electrical trench, 6) driveway weeding and sidewalk edging. Most tools and implements will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if […] - [Bulletin for September 21, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-september-21-2025/) - [Weekly Update for September 17, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-september-17-2025/): Men, Let’s Hike! October 24-25 The 2nd Annual Jordan Valley River Trail hike for the dudes is on. We’ve settled on October 24-25, 2025 (Fri/Sat) option. Thank you for those who answered the survey and our apologies if the dates don’t work (it was a split response). Remember that even if you don’t want to hike the 17 or so miles over two days, you’re welcome to hike just one day or just stay in camp to guard the gear from squirrels. Sign up here: https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3160572 Work Day – Saturday, September 27, 2025, 8-Noon Help us catch up on a […] - [Bulletin for September 14, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-september-14-2025/) - [Weekly Update for September 4, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-september-4-2025/): Kick-off! In 3, 2, 1… This Sunday (9/7/25) join us for a fun celebration of what God has done and is doing here at First! After worship at 9:30 AM, we will have presentation downstairs in the Fellowship Hall about ministry options and service opportunities. Whoa, whoa, whoa…you just checked out there. Don’t think you need to attend that? Planning to grab some cookies and run? Don’t do that! Build up your appetite by humoring us and hearing about the opportunities you and/or your family may want to take advantage of to keep growing in faith and building friends at […] - [Bulletin for September 7, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-september-7-2025/) - [Bulletin for August 31, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-august-31-2025/) - [Weekly Update for August 28, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-august-28-2025/): Jordan Valley Men’s Hike Gentlemen, we’re headed back to Northern Michigan for one of the most beautiful Fall hikes around: the Jordan River Valley Trail just north of Traverse City. Day 1, we set up camp, then hike 8-10 miles. Day two, we hike the second half of the trail, also 8-10 miles, pack up, then head home. For older hikers or those in slightly less than peak condition, there are options like only hiking one half then spending the other day at camp, or being a “camp cook” and just hanging out at camp the whole time. We sleep […] - [Bulletin for August 24, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-august-24-2025/) - [Weekly Update for August 20, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-august-20-2025/): Shelves for Free! After the shutdown of the pantry, we now have a room full of shelving that we don’t have a need for anymore. We would like to clean out the room (upstairs in between Hayden’s and Steve’s offices) for use as a meeting room, so if you’d like some shelving, feel free to grab what you need. You can grab them on Sunday or stop by during the week between 9-3pm. They are collapsible for easier transport. Fall Kick-off on September 7, 2025 Join us the week after Labor Day weekend for a special Sunday morning of worship, […] - [Weekly Update for August 14, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-august-14-2025/): More Tickets = More Tigers We have FOUR tickets left for the Tigers Game this Monday. These are the remaining out of a second batch of 10 tickets we bought because we filled the bus! So we have a total of 66 seats, and only four left. If you can find a friend, have them sign up! And if there aren’t any left, have them hop on the waitlist in case there are any last minute cancellations. We are currently trying to secure a second transport vehicle, but will have a couple personal vehicles drive if needed. Participants, be on […] - [Bulletin for August 17, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-august-17-2025/) - [Weekly Update for July 31, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-july-31-2025/): Another Great Picnic! Thank you to everyone who attended and the volunteers who made possible our second annual summer picnic! There were 109 official registrations and we estimate around 120 people eating delicious food, winning prizes, playing games and getting really messy with various pancake toppings and shaving cream. It was also fun singing this year (thanks Mr. Medema!) and tuning in to a news report by On-the-Beat-Babbet regarding the happenings with Moses and Aaron. Hopefully, hopefully all went well with their convo with Pharoah. The best part of the evening, though, was seeing people chatting, getting to know new […] - [Bulletin for August 10, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-august-10-2025/) - [Bulletin for August 3, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-august-3-2025/) - [Bulletin for July 27, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-july-27-2025/) - [Weekly Update for July 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-july-23-2025/): Detroit Tigers Game! Hop on a charter bus and go watch the Tigers whoop the Astros on August 18, 2025, with a bunch of church friends. This event is open to all ages, young and old, and we hope it’s a great time of fellowship and fun for all. We will leave from church at 3:30 PM for the 6:40 PM game, and plan to be back at church before midnight. The charter bus has bathrooms and makes for a stress free evening (you can even sleep on the way back if you need to work in the morning). Our […] - [Weekly Update for July 17, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-july-17-2025/): Summer Picnic – July 29, 2025 Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Picnic happening Tuesday, July 29th! We’ll have a carnival-themed hangout with food, games, music and prizes. Food will be burgers, corn-dogs and fixings, popcorn and ice cream treats. We’ll have seating for our senior citizens but ask that families and young folks bring their lawn chairs. The picnic is free but please sign up so we can estimate food and supplies. https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3031620 4 people getting baptized Monday night! We have three of our recent graduates getting baptized (Maddi, Jake and Ryan), plus Hayden! We are under […] - [Bulletin for July 20, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-july-20-2025/) - [Bulletin for July 13, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-july-13-2025/) - [Weekly Update for July 9, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-july-9-2025/): Baptism! Baptism is an important step for a disciple of Jesus. It’s a public profession of repentance and symbol of “dying” to our old sinful self and raising up to a new life of obedience to God. We have a couple people interested in getting baptized and would like to open up a broader invite to anyone else interested in taking this step of faith. If you have not been baptized but would be interested in doing so in the next few weeks, please reach out to Kyle. One of the high school students would like to be baptized in […] - [Bulletin for July 6, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-july-6-2025/) - [Bulletin for June 29, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-june-29-2025/) - [Bulletin for June 22, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-june-22-2025/) - [Bulletin for June 15, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-june-15-2025/) - [Weekly Update for June 11, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-june-11-2025/): Motorcycle Trip Kyle leaves for a two week vacation starting Friday the 13th. He’ll be traveling to Montana with his dad and brother on motorcycles. He’ll be returning to preach June 29th. While he’s away, please send any prayer requests to Cindi at office@frcportage.org. And if any issues or needs arise, please contact Pastor Steve or Jeff Everts (Vice President of Consistory). Additionally, some of the communications that are normally sent will be paused (like the Weekly and the sermon feed in church center). Basics: Joining and Serving Remember to sign up for the July 6th class Basics: Joining for […] - [Bulletin for June 8, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-june-8-2025/) - [Weekly Update for June 4, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-june-4-2025/): Card and Darts Night this Sunday! Come to the Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:00 PM this Sunday (6/8) to play games with youth group members. Show them the ropes. Teach them how to count cards, hit bullseyes or just eat pretzels while others decide what to lay down. Besides fun, this event is designed by Hayden to get the different generations interacting, so please attend if you can! Snacky foods provided. Basics: Serving This past Sunday, Kyle announced the sign up for the summer Basics Class called “Serving”. This class is a study of spiritual gifts and an assessment of your life […] - [Bulletin for June 1, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-june-1-2025/) - [Weekly Update for May 28, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-may-28-2025/): Stories of Faithfulness Nikki Douglass had a good idea after the sermon this past Sunday. She said, “You (Kyle) should ask people for stories of times of challenge they’ve gone through and how God saw them through it and helped them remain faithful.” Do you have one of those stories? Would you consider calling to tell me about it or writing a letter or email? I would really love to hear them, with the possibility of sharing them in some form with the congregation with permission. What an encouragement that would be. High School Mission Week Thank you to those […] - [Bulletin for May 25, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-may-25-2025/) - [Weekly Update for May 22, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-may-22-2025/): Graduation Sunday – June 1, 2025 We are excited to recognize our graduates Sunday morning, June 1, 2025. We will acknowledge Middle School, High School and College graduations with a brief introduction and ceremony. Great job, graduates! Your church family supports you. High School Mission Week In lieu of going out of town to serve this summer, Hayden has put together a local service project for our high schoolers. It will be the week of July 13th. Students will be staying at the parsonage and involved with local ministries such as Youth for Christ and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Hayden […] - [Weekly Update for May 15, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-may-15-2025/): Honor Flight Tables and Chairs First Reformed is helping with the Honor Flight event to be held on the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Lowe’s parking lot on Westnedge. We are bringing tables and chairs for the event. Please contact Dan Kalleward (info in Church Center Directory) or call the office if you’d like to help. Church Roof Repairs There has been progress on a couple of roofing issues this past week. There were missing shingles from the tornado last year on the barn roof. We finally made contact with our insurance adjuster on that particular issue and […] - [Bulletin for May 18, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-may-18-2025/) - [Bulletin for May 11, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-may-11-2025/) - [Bulletin for May 4, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-may-4-2025/) - [Weekly Update for April 30, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-april-30-2025/): Laura VanSweden MI Pilgrimage Please pray for Laura VanSweden as she serves at Michigan Pilgrimage #73 in Sturgis, MI, May 1-4, 2025. Pilgrimage is an ecumenical movement based on the Cursillo model with the exception of inviting guests of all denominations and hosting coed weekends. One estimate is that nearly 2 million people have now gone through a Cursillo method weekend in the United States and 10 million or more worldwide. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the attendees and staff. Attention Wood Workers Kyle has both planks and cutoffs of quality species of wood (oak, hickory, […] - [Bulletin for April 27, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-april-27-2025/) - [Weekly Update for April 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-april-23-2025/): Alliance of Reformed Churches Q1 FINANCIAL UPDATE Here is an update the ARC just sent out: We are thankful for your continued partnership with the Alliance of Reformed Churches. As we look back on our first quarter of the year, we would like to share some financial highlights: Easter Attendance Thank you to all who invited friends or family along on Sunday. We had a total of 221 people in attendance! Numbers are just a small part of an overall evaluation of health and fruit, but it does show that God is using our church to reach people with good […] - [Bulletin for April 20, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-april-20-2025/) - [Weekly Update for April 14, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-april-14-2025/): Easter! Welcome to Easter week! Friday is somber and wonderful; then Sunday is miraculous and hopeful! Here is a list of the opportunities for you to worship and we encourage you to share with friends or family who don’t have a place to worship yet. Please note there is no egg hunt for First Kids on Easter Sunday; they have a special movie program during the service. Also, don’t forget to bring your Treasure Coin Boxes for the Unknown Nations collection, which will take place during the service. Softball starts Monday The team came together in the bottom of the […] - [Bulletin for April 13, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-april-13-2025/) - [Weekly Update for April 9, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-april-9-2025/): Walk for Life 2025 Celebrate life while raising awareness and funds for Alternatives Care Centers. This year there are TWO locations and dates for the walk, because Alternatives has two centers and helps two communities in our area! It’s only $5 to register each walker, and then they ask that you either fundraise/get sponsors, or just pay up front a $35 dollar donation per walker. There is lots of info on their website. Alternatives provides our greater area with SUCH important services, this is one of their big fundraisers as well as awareness events! It would be awesome to have […] - [Weekly Update for April 4, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-april-4-2025/): Organized Archives Thank you to Gloria Terpstra who took the opportunity while filling in for Cindi this week to sort and file our church records and archives. A couple months ago, while looking for some information, Kyle noticed the main safe in the storage room was stuffed to the point of not being able to close with all of our church’s old records and documents. So we cleaned the safe out and asked Gloria to organize them. They are now in water and fireproof containers for safe keeping. Instant Church Directory Subscription Ended With our new Church Center app and […] - [Bulletin for March 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-23-2025-2/) - [Bulletin April 6, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-april-6-2025/) - [Bulletin for April 6, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-april-6-2025/) - [Bulletin for March 30, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-30-2025/) - [Weekly Update for March 26, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-march-26-2025/): Sign up for Coed Softball – Spring ’25 Here’s the link for all you ball players. Sign up soon so we have a good idea of the size of team and for jersey ordering. Yes. We are serious. I said “jerseys”. $50 per player plus something for the jerseys. And make sure to up your ice budget. Use the request to join button or contact Hayden to get on the team. Brunch and Hunt! Join us April 19th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for some pre-Easter festivities. Breakfast will start at 9:00 AM, then the Toddler-2nd grade egg […] - [Weekly Update for March 21, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-march-21-2025/): Summer Softball We have interest, so are actively looking into putting a team together for the Portage Summer Softball League. We will get more detailed info out shortly about schedule, cost, etc. In the meantime, let’s get limbered up and maybe get a little BP in. “Brunch and Hunt” Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast Join us April 19th, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for some pre-Easter festivities. Breakfast will start at 9:00 AM, then the Toddler-2nd grade egg hunt at 9:30 AM, then 3rd-6th grade at 10:00 AM. Invite your family and friends, and if possible, please volunteer! […] - [Bulletin for March 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-23-2025/) - [Bulletin for March 16, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-16-2025/) - [Weekly Update for March 13, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-march-13-2025/): Summer Softball We have interest, so are actively looking into putting a team together for the Portage Summer Softball League. We will get more detailed info out shortly about schedule, cost, etc. In the meantime, let’s get limbered up and maybe get a little BP in. Copier Update After 9 years of service, we are retiring our Savin 4503, which has had consistent quality problems recently, for a new Konica Minolta C361i with a folder stapler and banner printing. Over five years, this new copier plus the maintenance agreement will be less expensive than our current copier’s maintenance agreement alone. […] - [Bulletin for March 9, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-9-2025/) - [Bulletin for March 2, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-march-2-2025/) - [Weekly Update for February 27, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-february-27-2025/): Meeting with Kyle…no you’re not in trouble! As many of you know, Cindi has been helping Kyle schedule meetings with everyone in the church and we appreciate those of you who have responded and scheduled a meet up! This is NOT being called into the principle’s office (that would be a meeting with Steve); it’s Kyle’s part of Operation Get-together. His goal is to meet with everyone in the church at least once by the end of the year. There’s no agenda besides having a chat and getting caught up. If you haven’t been called yet, don’t worry, you should […] - [Weekly Update for February 20, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-february-20-2025/): While it’s snowing, let’s talk Christmas… Too soon? Nah! Christmas 2025 will be here before we know it. The Team Leaders took a large portion of their meeting last night to recap this past Bethlehem Journey and identifying improvements for next year. We are excited to update some of our set, make signup easier for volunteers, improve our waiting time with more interaction in the sanctuary, and possibly involve another partner church. The dates for next year are December 4, 5 and 6. It’s not too late to express interest in cast parts or helping with set repair/updates. Contact Kyle […] - [Bulletin for February 23, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-february-23-2025/) - [Weekly Update for February 12, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-february-12-2025/): Kidz KamP is cancelled for tonight Due to the weather threat (icy conditions and possible snow accumulation), KidZ KamP is cancelled for tonight (2/12/25). Our apologies for the date typo in the Church Center announcement sent earlier. An empty pantry full of thanks The Mission and Outreach Team did the final clean out the Bonus Bucks Pantry today. The resources that were still good were allocated to other ministries. Thank you to M&O and any other individuals that worked many hours acquiring goods, interacting with recipients, and delivering needed items to other organizations throughout Kalamazoo. Though the pantry’s effectiveness had […] - [Bulletin for February 16, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-february-16-2025/) - [Wayne Taylor Memorial Service](https://frcportage.com/wayne-taylor-memorial-service/): Wayne’s Memorial Service will be held here at First Reformed on Monday, February 10, 2025. 10:00 AM – Visitation 11:00 AM – Memorial Service (live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/PyB5XnJ0tZY?feature=share) 12:30 PM – Luncheon Wayne’s obituary can be found here: https://betzlerlifestory.com/obituaries/wayne-taylor.148524 - [Weekly Update for February 6, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-february-6-2025/): Basics: Following starts this week! Location update… We are thrilled with the response to Basics: Following with around 30 official signups and even more informal commitments to attend! Thank you for making this a priority and for supporting Brian’s first class here at First. We are praying that God will speak to you and make your walk with him more practical and fulfilling. For those not attending the class, please grab your coffee and cookies and then continue your fellowship time upstairs after 10:55! Thanks for your consideration in trying to minimize distractions and serve those attending. Wayne Taylor Memorial […] - [Bulletin for February 9, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-february-9-2025/) - [Bulletin for February 2, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-february-2-2025/) - [Weekly Update for January 29, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-29-2025/): Basics: Following The 6 week, Basics: Following class will start February 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM, meeting in the Chapel. Chris VanDenOever’s Romans study will take a break to allow for people to participate in the class. This class does a survey of the key elements of a life of the follower of Jesus, outlined on the Growth Guide. Each of these elements is its own world, with a lifetime of growth opportunities. The class not only introduces you to each of these areas and the scriptures that define it, it also challenges and equips you to evaluate yourself and […] - [Bulletin for January 26, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-january-26-2025/) - [Weekly Update for January 22, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-22-2025/): Sheesh. Sick of this heat wave. Is it Fall yet? New Friday Prayer Time Don’t forget to note the new Friday prayer time (9:00 AM). We hope if you’re free, you’ll join us as we cover our church family, staff and activities in prayer. Alliance Gathering Sessions January 30 – Feb 1 is the Alliance of Reformed Church’s annual Gathering in Glendale, AZ. Kyle and Nikki will be attending that event in person as representatives of First, but the sessions are available to be streamed or listened to afterwards. This would be a good way to stay up to speed […] - [Bulletin for January 19, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-january-19-2025/) - [Weekly Update for January 15, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-15-2025/): Greetings, friends! January is halfway over. Can you believe it? Friday Morning Prayer Time Change The Friday morning prayer group is now meeting at 9:00 AM. We hope this change helps more people attend and lift up the people and activities of First Reformed. The group meets in the lobby area by the entrance to the sanctuary. Parenting with Purpose Seminar The Michigan Catalyst Network advertised this opportunity this past week: Parenting with Purpose is designed to give families support so they can create thriving families. We’ll explore the importance and power of being connected to ourselves, our children, our […] - [Bulletin for January 12, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-january-12-2025/) - [Weekly Update for January 8, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-8-2025/): Wednesday (Today) Happenings This Week Tonight (Wednesday), we have three great opportunities for fun, food, and service. First is KidZ KamP “Bring Your Grandparents” night from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. At the same time is Family Fun at First, which is a monthly meal and fellowship time in the Fellowship Hall. On the menu is chili, three kinds of soup, salad and corn bread. All ages welcome! Doug and Sue Bos will be sharing about their motorcycle ministry, too. For those grandparents who may want to be in both places, there will be time to eat and also participate in […] - [Weekly Update for January 1, 2025](https://frcportage.com/weekly-update-for-january-1-2025/): Happy New Year, First Reformed Family! We are excited for where God will lead us this year. Please commit to praying for all the leaders, volunteers, attenders and visitors of our church. On the Fence About The Bible Recap? Today is the official start of our church-wide goal of reading the whole Bible in a year. To do that, we’re using The Bible Recap to guide us and provide some additional help in understanding what we read. If you missed the Sunday we announced this or have just been on the fence, let me encourage you to take the challenge […] - [Bulletin for January 5, 2025](https://frcportage.com/bulletin-for-january-5-2025/) ## Pages - [Teaching](https://frcportage.com/teaching/): Our Sunday morning sermons are available as audio files on Church Center as well as through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can access video of the sermons on YouTube via the link supplied in each episode’s description in Church Center. We do not stream our services, but aim to have our media uploaded by the Tuesday following the recording. Church Center webpage sermons: https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/channels/20660 Church Center app link: https://churchcenter.com/setup Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-morning/id1753994716 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pgQ6ZQ4HpO3MNwBKnTG2j - [The Bethlehem Journey](https://frcportage.com/the-bethlehem-journey/): It’s Christmas time! Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with “The Bethlehem Journey” here at First Reformed Church of Portage. We’ll transport you back in time to the streets of Bethlehem at the time of the census. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph, encountering those they may have encountered as they looked for shelter back in town of their ancestors. Finally catch up with the baby Jesus in the manger, all the while remembering that he is the reason for the season and filling your hearts with the true Spirit of Christmas. Dates for […] - [Middle School Youth Group](https://frcportage.com/middle-school-youth-group/): Middle School Youth Group Here at First Reformed, we gather in fellowship to push each other in our faith, so we can live a life that reflects Christ! We do that by playing games, hanging out and studying the Lord’s word. Doing everything through God, so it isn’t meaningless. So, come and gather in a space that allows the Spirit to move. Here are our upcoming events! Click on the button below to sign up for Church center and receive more details. Church Center Safety ProceduresAll volunteers and workers in the youth program have gone through required safety training and […] - [High School Youth Group](https://frcportage.com/high-school-youth-group/): High School Youth Group Here at First Reformed, we gather in fellowship to push each other in our faith, so we can live a life that reflects Christ! We do that by playing games, hanging out and studying the Lord’s word. Doing everything through God, so it isn’t meaningless. So, come and gather in a space that allows the spirit to move. Here are our upcoming events! Click on the button below to sign up for Church center and receive more details. Church Center Safety ProceduresAll volunteers and workers in the youth program have gone through required safety training and […] - [News and Updates](https://frcportage.com/news-and-updates/) - [Student Ministry News](https://frcportage.com/student-ministry-news/) - [Vibe](https://frcportage.com/vibe/): vibe /vīb/ 1. A distinctive emotional quality or atmosphere that is sensed or experienced by someone. The American Heritage Dictionary Every church has a different feel and it can be a little nerve-wracking to visit for the first time not knowing what to expect. Hopefully this gives you a basic idea of what you’ll find at First Reformed on a Sunday morning. Dress You’re welcome to come just as you are! People dress in a variety of styles from shirt and tie to shorts and Hawaiian shirts or jeans and t-shirts. We encourage people to dress in a way that helps […] - [Staff](https://frcportage.com/staff/): The primary staff for First Reformed Church of Portage. - [404](https://frcportage.com/404-2/): Looks like our web Chef is still cooking on this one. Check back soon to see if dinner is ready. - [Affiliation](https://frcportage.com/affiliation/): Alliance of Reformed Churches FRCP’s “denomination” is the Alliance of Reformed Churches (ARC). The ARC describes itself as: A COMMUNITY OF CONGREGATIONS WHO JOIN TOGETHER: As friends and partners in Christ, seeking first the Kingdom of God with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Pursuing unrelentingly innovative ways to engage a changing world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Embracing the diversity of the human experience under obedience to Christ our King. As a part of ARC, we subscribe to a set of creeds and confessions that can be found here. While we uphold that the holy […] - [Calendar](https://frcportage.com/calendar/): Calendar - [Kids Ministry](https://frcportage.com/kids-ministry/): Kids! Jesus loves you and we do, too! We are about teaching children the story of God’s love and equipping children with the heart, mind, and skills to foster a relationship with God for the rest of their lives. We do that through our regular Sunday morning programming (Nursery and First Kids), midweek programs (KidZ KamP), and special events for kids and families. We are also very serious about creating a fun but secure environment through our safety polices and procedures. All volunteers complete background checks as well as training using Ministry Safe. We also use a check-in system for […] - [Global Styles](https://frcportage.com/global-styles/) - [Blog](https://frcportage.com/blog/) - [Connect](https://frcportage.com/contact/):   Address 7905 S. Westnedge Portage, MI. 49002 Office Hours Mon-Thurs: 9:00 – 3:00Fri-Sat: Closed Phone & Email firstchurch@frcportage.org (269) 327-3694     Address 7905 S. Westnedge Portage, MI. 49002 Office Hours Mon-Thurs: 9:00 – 3:00Fri-Sat: Closed Phone & Email firstchurch@frcportage.org (269) 327-3694   Send us a message  Click here to fill out our secure Church Center Contact Form.   Address 7905 S. Westnedge Portage, MI. 49002 Office Hours Mon-Thurs: 9:00 – 3:00Fri-Sat: Closed Phone & Email firstchurch@frcportage.org (269) 327-3694     Address 7905 S. Westnedge Portage, MI. 49002 Office Hours Mon-Thurs: 9:00 – 3:00Fri-Sat: Closed Phone & Email firstchurch@frcportage.org […] - [Home](https://frcportage.com/): First Reformed Church of Portage is a protestant evangelical church in the Reformed Tradition in the heart of Portage, MI. We teach the scriptures, seek to live out Jesus's teaching and do good to those around us. [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)