http://www.centralreformedchurch.org Classic Worship. Liberating Theology. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:52:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 21 high school students and four adult leaders are bound for Sutton, AK!  "Join us" on this experience by checking out our Alaska Mission Trip blog on facebook, or reading more here. http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/alaska-2010-youth-mission-trip Central's Barker Series presents a performance by the Embellish handbell ensemble.  Concert is open to the public!  For more information on Embellish or Barker Series click here. http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/embellish-barker-series Hosted by Central Reformed Church from this year forward!  Join us in Heritage Hill this Good Friday!  Clergy from Central, La Grave CRC, Park UCC, Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Andrews, First Methodist, and Westminster Presbyterian will be speaking, and there will be plenty of music as well. http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/community-good-friday-service 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/eagles-wings-youth-auction 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! http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/exploring-ethics December 13th  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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/symbols-of-advent December 6th  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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/angels-and-advent Embellish 4pm April 18th 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/embellish-handbell-concert 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/news/alma-college-choir 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/new-years-eve-organ-concert 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/books-of-the-spirit 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/new-veggie-tales-video-screening 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. ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/community-thanksgiving-dinner 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? http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/long-nights-journey-into-day   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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/the-meaning-of-biblical-authority   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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/identifying-your-spiritual-gifts   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.   http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/the-belhar-confession  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.   http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/women-in-the-bible   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.   http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/exploring-god%e2%80%99s-grandeur-the-theological-imagination-of-gerald-manely-hopkins  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.    http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/discussion-on-christian-symbolism-in-worship   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.    http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/art-in-the-liturgy-and-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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/does-central%e2%80%99s-architecture-reflect-its-character  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?   http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/dealing-with-anxiety-and-stress  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.   http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/the-theology-of-space-and-architecture 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/central-reads 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/books-of-the-spirit-book-group 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 ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/5/sports-life-camp-2009 Spiritual Intimacy. Kevin De Kam, Fountain Hill Center. -- Instead of falling into the spiritual trap of trying to get everything right and then bringing the best version of ourselves to God, this class will focus on true intimacy.  The scriptural truth of bringing all of who we truly are ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/spiritual-intimacy  Rev. Vern Hoffman is the founders of the Micah Center, an ecumenical group of Grand Rapids Christians that seek to influence the world in matters of justice in five areas: Poverty and Hunger, Healthcare, Environment, Immigration and Restorative Justice. Come to the Chapel on April 19th,  April 26th and May 3rd ... http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/the-micah-center "Weaving Jesus Story with our own, growing in the Sacred Masculine." Join Rev. Al Heystek as he explores what it means to be male and in our culture and in the church. http://www.centralreformedchurch.org/http:/centralreformedchurch.org/static-website/events/mens-spirituality