Jordan Valley
One last reminder to sign up for the Men’s Hike to the Jordan River Valley coming up Friday, October 23 to Saturday, October 24, 2026. Two days and one night with the bears! Sign up here: https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3950360
NOT HIKING?? Please help with leaves…
Jerry Phelps (son of Ken and Judy Phelps) is coordinating a leaf raking day for the elderly residents in his community at Country Acres Village (2300 Barney Rd, Kalamazoo) on Saturday, October 24th (and 31st) from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm (or for as long as you’re available). Lunch and snacks will be provided!
The corporation that owns the 55+ park decided just last month they were no longer going to pick up leaves for residents after always doing it. This has created some worry and hardship for many of the residents who aren’t able to do the clean up themselves or are living on a fixed income. In an effort help, Jerry is organizing a few days to help the needy rake and bag their leaves and set them by the road. He will then coordinate pick-up on Saturday, October 31st and November 21st with a group of volunteers in the park.
Please consider giving some of your time to help out with this project. Many hands (holding rakes) will make short work of it. Please bring your own rakes, blowers, etc. Doug Heystek is our point person for the project. Please sign up using this link (https://frcportage.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3965097) or contact him personally so they know who to plan on. Thank you!
Worship Preview
What does singing to God do for you? Is it something that matters to you? Is it just something you do because you’ve always done it? Do you feel inspired after worship? Challenged? Uplifted? Music is inherently emotional and there is good reason people have always made a part of their relationship with God musical. The combination of tone, rhythm, and meaningful words cut into our hearts in ways that are unique and powerful. That’s why we are putting effort (albeit mostly behind the scenes, currently) into musical worship. The transition from Jan to Ben is providing a special opportunity to refocus on what worship means and how we do it, so Ben is being challenged to NOT simply carry on what we’ve done in the past, but to use the gifts and preferences the Lord has given him to serve the congregation here at First. This will mean new songs, maybe some new styles, and hopefully some new opportunities like hymn sings and special worship nights. We are leaning intentionally towards our younger members and families, while also staying connected to our roots. We will continue to sing “old” hymns, but we’re also going to be doing “new” songs. To help with the new ones, we are going to post links to the songs we will sing for each Sunday. Listening in advance will not only help you sing out more confidently on Sunday morning, but will also put the words and ideas into your mind and heart for days, not just moments on Sunday morning. So please check out these YouTube links and get ready to sing!
Holy, Holy, Holy! https://youtu.be/JwuDSw-9cUQ?si=ZQ87ys_43rtbyB9L
How Great is Our God https://youtu.be/KBD18rsVJHk?si=i5Y7Yr5c9a5Qqcv9
I Will Never Be the Same Again https://youtu.be/LJMCudMB5tE?si=NLoRhW-qh_VO4ITd
Lord, Reign in Me https://youtu.be/ZzEkhTwiODc?si=eLRp8JHEeM7Z8TSd