YOUTH AUCTION 2010 - To benefit Central’s youth mission trip to Sutton Alaska, June 19-29.  Join us at Custer Office Interiors (217 Grandville Ave SW, Downtown Grand Rapids) from 6:00-10:00PM on March 6th, where you will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, while you browse silent auction items and socialize.  Then stick around for our live auction, MC-ed by our home-grown Auctioneer team: David Custer and Bill Mills.  It will be the most riotously FUN investment of both finances AND time you will make all year!

click here to check out some items that will be up for bid!

Ethics:  How do you know what is the right thing to do, and how do you actually go about doing it?  Join Brian Andrew in the Parlor for four Sundays in January to discuss ethical topics and situations with your Central Family!

December 13^th  Symbols of Advent  Helen Phillips 11:00 am

            Explore the symbols of Advent –What is the meaning of the Advent wreath?  Why do we bring Christmas trees into the house?  Did you ever wonder why we use poinsettias? Come and learn more about the symbols of Advent and bring some more depth to your experience of Christmas.

December 6^th  Angels and Advent  Elder Dawn Tillema

Who are these angelic messengers in Luke and what do they have to do with the good news of Christmas? Come get to know these heavenly messengers better and reflect on their news of great joy for the advent season!  Join us at 11 am on November 22nd, 29th and December 6th.

Embellish 4pm April 18^th

Embellish is a community handbell ensemble representing the greater Grand Rapids area. Embellish was founded in the fall of 1995 to be a professional level group that promotes the art of handbell ringing by providing a high quality musical experience for diverse audiences.
Embellish has made two mid-west tours, performed at the Directors Seminar in Saginaw, MI, accompanied the Grand Rapids Symphony during their Christmas Pops Concert series, and performed at the 2004 movie premier of The Polar Express. The group represented West Michigan at Pinnacle 2004, a nation-wide handbell seminar to perform a showcase concert. In 2006, Embellish travelled to France for their first international concert tour.
One of the highlights of Embellish’s eleven seasons has been the wonderful array of guest artists included in the annual “Embellish and Friends” performances. Over the years Embellish has hosted some fantastic musical guests from our community including The Resonators (percussion ensemble), Brian Morris (guitar), Dr. Larry Visser (organist), and Rich Ridenour (piano).
Embellish rings six-and-one-half octaves of Malmark handbells and five-and-one-half octaves of Malmark ChoirChimes, totaling over 130 bells and chimes.

Alma College Choir under the direction of Dr. William Nichols 4 pm March 14th
The Alma Choir is the primary touring choir in the Alma choral program. The Choir’s reputation for excellence, its many traditions, and its ambitious performing, touring and recording schedule attract a group of talented students for whom choral singing is an important part of their lives. About 30% of Alma Choir members are preparing for careers as professional musicians. The other singers are busy preparing for careers in every imaginable area. The common thread that binds these students is the joy — emotional, intellectual and spiritual — found in singing together.

Todd Wilson 8pm Dec 31stTodd Wilson is Professor of Organ at Indiana University and organ curator of the Cleveland Orchestra. Wilson studied organ with Wayne Fisher at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where he obtained both a B.M. and a M.M. He then studied with Russell Saunders at the Eastman School of Music.
Wilson has won several competitions, including the Grand Prix de Chartres and the Fort Wayne Competition. Wilson has performed with many notable orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and he Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in Tokyo, Vienna, Slovakia, and extensively throughout the United States.
Mr. Wilson’s numerous recordings include solo organ works as well as performances with a variety of other instrumentalists. The Cleveland Plain Dealer describes him as “… a fabulous virtuoso with fleet feet, a prodigious memory and technique to burn.” A review from Birmingham, Alabama   reads, “Wilson … is a master tonal colorist … consistent security on both the manuals and pedals.”

BOOKS OF THE SPIRIT: Join us on December 3 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM for our continuing discussion of Tim Keller’s book, The Reason for God. Since the book covers so much theological territory, please choose one question for discussion and email it to us by Thanksgiving.  For our January 7 discussion, we will be reading Dan Brown’s new book, The Lost Symbol. This fun book raises some great questions about the principles upon which our country was founded. Everyone is welcome, and you don’t even have to have finished the book to attend!  Please join us!

Join us for our community Thanksgiving Service at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.  Communion open to every Christian will be served.  Everyone is welcome to attend our dinner before hand at 5:30 and to participate in our service of Thanksgiving to God!

CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING: As the people of Christ, we are called to protect the more vulnerable people around us.  Do you know how to best protect our children? If you would like to work with children at Central you need to complete our Child Protection Training Class and submit your personal information for a background check.   If you have not previously completed the training, please join us on December 6 from 11:15 – 12:15 PM (during Education Hour!). Please RSVP to the church office if you are planning on attending! Thank you for your care of our children!

Come see our children and Central members in another fantastic Children’s Production!  Written and Directed by our own Mary Beth Timmer, the story of what the children do when Christmas is Cancelled will warm your hearts this season.  $2 donation per ticket is requested.

Come join us in the fellowship hall on December 20th at 11:00 am!

Contact Charlotte Geelhoed at 957-0245 if you have any questions or to make your reservations.

Chili Tasting on Sunday, December 6 at noon in the Fellowship Hall.  You can sample some of the best chili members have to offer. Crackers and cookies are provided also. Please sign up in the Atrium today during Coffee Hour.

All Church Open House, Sunday, December 13 at the home of Larry and Mary Gerbens, starting at 6:00 PM. Bring an appetizer to share; beverages will be provided.  Maps and/or directions will be provided at a later date

SPECIAL ALL KIDS EVENT: Kids, join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday November 29 at 11:15 AM for a screening of the brand new Veggie Tales Video, St. Nicholas, A Story of Joyful Giving.  This video presents another retelling of the St. Nicholas Story which we remember and celebrate at our St. Nicholas Festival on December 5^th. Popcorn will be provided!  Come and join the fun with Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber!

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING ADDIE’S DINER: We will add a third Addie’s Diner meal this Wednesday at 5:30 PM. The meal will consist of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, breads, and pumpkin and pecan pies. A generous family in our congregation will finance the meal and help serve it as well. After dinner, our annual Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will be held in the sanctuary at 7:00 PM.

A video introduction and discussion into the South African context from which the Belhar Confession comes .  What are the cultural roots of this document that the RCA is adopting?

The Meaning of Biblical Authority

Rev. Dr. Louis Lotz                                      December 6

How do I Know? The Bible tells me so! What is the nature and meaning of Biblical authority? What do we mean when we say that the Bible is God’s Word or inspired by God? What is the difference between inerrancy and infallibility? This class meets from 11:15 - Noon in the Chapel.

Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts

Seminarian Drew Meyers                November 22 and December 13

What are spiritual gifts? Do I have them and what should I do with them? This practical course will help you discern your gifts and will guide you in finding your vocation.  This class meets from 11:15 - Noon in the Parlor.

The Belhar Confession

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Holder Rich        November 1—15

The 2009 RCA General Synod voted to adopt this confession and it needs ratification by 2/3 of the regional classes. What are the history and implications of this creed?  This class meets from 11:15 - Noon in the Parlor.

 Women in the Bible

Rev. Dr. Lynn Japinga                              October 4—18

When we examine the stories of women in the Bible we discover a spectrum of both positive and negative experiences. Do those experiences still resonate with us today?  This class meets from 11:15 - Noon in the Parlor.

Exploring God’s Grandeur: The Theological Imagination of Gerald Manely Hopkins

Dr. Jen Holberg                             November 1—15

Poetry in both form and content should be deeply theological, helping us to better understand God, the creation, ourselves and our fellow human beings.  This class meets in the Chapel from 11:15 - 12:00.

 Discussion on Christian Symbolism in Worship

David Veldt                                       October 25

To conclude our six week study of Christian Symbolism in Worship, we will discuss the implications for Central Reformed Church of all of these aspects of Christian Symbolism.  This discussion meets in the Chapel from 11:15 - Noon. 

Art in the Liturgy and Worship

Helen Phillips                                  October 11 and 18  in the Chapel 11:15 - Noon

Everything that you always wanted to know about religious symbolism but were afraid to ask.   This is the third presenter in our series on Christian Symbolism in Worship. 

 Does Central’s Architecture Reflect its Character?

Dr. Daniel L. Ballast                     September 27 and October 4

Barbara Brown Taylor, in her recent book Leaving Church, says that “History matters. The story of a church’s birth tends to shape that community’s identity for the rest of its life, with each new generation adding its own variations to the foundational themes.” Central is unique in that it has experienced two births and one marriage; therefore, a mixture, and sometimes conflict, of foundational themes. We will identify those themes along with their variations and determine if and how they are reflected in the architecture of our church. In the process we will look at what the Irish call “Thin Places” - the ordinary places that people walk right by if they are not paying attention.

 This class is the second part in our Christian Symbolism in Worship Series.  It meets in the rich architecture of Dykstra Chapel.

 Dealing with Anxiety and Stress

Counselor Kerry Prior of the Fountain Hill Center                                     September 20  and 27

Stress and anxiety are pervasive today and are effecting our physical and spiritual health. Is there any relief?

 The Theology of Space and Architecture

Rev. Dr. Laura Smit                     September 20

Back by popular demand, Dr. Smit will kick off our  Christian Symbolism in Worship Series with a session about glorifying God in architecture.  This adult education class meets in the Chapel at 11:15 - Noon.

CENTRAL READS: Join us this summer as we read and discuss books as a congregation! Our June 17th book is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Our July 23rd book is The Shack by William Young and our August 20th book is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. Bring your questions and a snack to share! We will look for you at 7:00 pm!

BOOKS OF THE SPIRIT: Join us from 10-11:30 AM as we read and discuss books together! The July 1st discussion will be on Escape, by Carolyn Jessop who fled the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Our August 5th discussion will be on Ken Follett’s page turning page turning new novel, World Without End. Join us as we create community and view our faith and diverse theological themes from a variety of perspectives!

SportsLife Camps is coming to Central Reformed Church for an amazing week of sports, arts, and Outrageous Fun!!! The SportsLife Camps coaches, along with volunteer leaders from our church, will lead campers in the following activities:

Main Events

Basketball & Street Hockey
Ultimate Frisbee & Soccer
Cheerleading & Dance
Ultimate Arts Extravaganza
Arts Extravaganza & Dance

Side Shows

Obstacle Course
Rubber Chicken Challenge
Sports Explosion
75 Foot Slip and Slide

Where?

CENTRAL REFORMED CHURCH
10 College Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

When?
Monday, July 13th – Thursday, July 16th

Camp begins at 5:45 pm, and it goes until 8:45 pm.

Bring kids for check-in no earlier than 5:30 pm, and pick them up by 9:00 pm.
Check-in and check-out will take place in the Atrium.
Kids must be checked in by an adult each day of camp!

Who can come?
Kids entering 1^st – 5^th grade in the fall of 2009.

How much?
The cost is $ ZERO for the entire four days of camp.
Donations are accepted however.
Make checks payable to Central Reformed Church.

How to sign up?
Follow this link to our online registration form

Register online!

Questions? Contact the Minister of Lifelong Learning at (616) 456-1773.

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