Embellish Handbell Concert November 24, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events, static website , add a comment| Saturday, April 18, 2009 | ||
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 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.
Spiritual Intimacy April 21, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Sunday, April 26, 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 now, warts and all, to a genuine and authentic relationship with God is the best way to receive the blessings God has promised us. These same principles also apply to human relationships, and healthy human relationships are a wonderful way to glorify God. To explore this topic more, join us in the parlor at Parlor 11:10 am.
The Micah Center April 8, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Sunday, April 19, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, April 26, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, May 3, 2009 | ||
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 at 11:00 to hear about this new movement in our midst.
Men’s Spirituality April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Sunday, April 19, 2009 | ||
“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.
Good Friday Community Service April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Friday, April 10, 2009 | ||
The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ
Oratorio by Theodore DuBois, sung by combined area choirs.
Participating Churches:
First (Park) Congregational UCC
First United Methodist Church
Central Reformed Church
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church
St. Marks Episcopal Church
La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
East Congregational UCC
Good Friday Meditation by Rev. Chandler Stokes
held at First Park Congregational Church 10 East Park Place NE Downtown Grand Rapids, MI
Holy Week Prayer Service April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Monday, April 6, 2009 | ||
| Tuesday, April 7, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 8, 2009 | ||
While it is important to learn about prayer, it is even more important to practice it. This year for Holy Week, April 6th – 9th; Central Reformed Church will open the chapel from 12 noon until 12:30 PM for a time of lectionary readings, prayer and silent meditation. Come join us as we prepare our hearts for the passion of Good Friday and the new birth of Easter.
Books of the Spirit Book Study April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | ||
Join us for a discussion of the good book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Kraybill, Nolt and Weaver-Zercher. This small group will not only allow you to grow spiritually, but it will create friendships as well. Everyone is welcome!
Maundy Thursday Worship Service April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Thursday, April 9, 2009 | ||
The name Maundy originates from the Latin mandatum for our Lord’s example in washing His disciple’s feet after their last supper together in the upper room. This act of service and loving care took place at the Lord’s Supper, the central sacrament of the Church, which was instituted on the eve of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.
Behold, I give you a new commandment, that you love one another, just as I have
loved you. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34 -35)
The service of Tenebrae, or “service of darkness” is symbolic of the flight of Christ’s disciples, the approach of the dark hate of Jesus’ enemies, and the crucifixion of our Lord. This evening we are reminded of the darkness, desertion, and despair that Jesus experienced in the garden of Gethsemane. During the service, the lights in the sanctuary are gradually extinguished, and the Christ Candle is removed, leaving the nave in darkness, signifying Christ’s crucifixion & death.
Let the solemnity of this hour lead us to worship with thoughtful reverence, just as Jesus did in the fellowship with his disciples within in the shadow of the Cross.
Seder Dinner April 7, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Thursday, April 9, 2009 | ||
Come join Central Reformed Church as we continue in the Holy Week Passover tradition with our Seder Dinner. Liturgy, food and fellowship all come together at 5:45 pm.
Please call the church office for reservations at 456-1773.
Hebrews Bible Study February 25, 2009
Posted by admin in : Adult Ed, Events , add a comment| Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, March 25, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 1, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 15, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, May 6, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, May 13, 2009 | ||
HEBREWS BIBLE STUDY: This nine week study of Hebrews is an encouragement for those of us who sometimes feel burned out by our faith and who are struggling to hold unto our relationship with God. Food and community occurs between 9:00 - 9:30 am, with our study concluding by 11 am. Everyone is welcome and newcomers are warmly invited to join us! Childcare is always provided.
Explore the teachings of who Jesus is and why faith in him matters today. The book of Hebrews is unique; its style is distinct from that of other letters in the New Testament. Though we don’t know who wrote Hebrews or exactly whom it was written to, it’s clear that the book was written to believers in Jesus who had become exhausted. They were tired of being Christians, tired of suffering for their faith, and tired of waiting for Jesus to come back. In their burned-out state they were in danger of drifting in their journey with God. So the writer of Hebrews aims to encourage these believers to hold on, in God’s strength, by refocusing on the author and founder of their faith—the Lord Jesus Christ.
This “back to basics” book outlines who Jesus is and why faith in him matters, and it focuses particularly on Jesus as our high priest and our “once for all” sacrifice (Heb. 10:10-12). Hebrews also speaks to us today, reminding us of all that Jesus is and all he has done for us, encouraging us to live faithfully in times when we too may be weary and in spiritual danger.
This study will take a week off for spring break on April 6th. And on March 18th, we will enjoy a special Bible study with our Teacher in Residence Laura Smit.
The Really Bad Girls of the Bible (Bible Study) February 19, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events, static website , add a comment| Wednesday, April 15, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | ||
| Wednesday, May 6, 2009 | ||
Book/Bible Study: The Really Bad Girls of the Bible, by Liz Curtis Higgs Please join us for
for a four week book/Bible study as we explore the lives of the following 8 women in the Bible: The Medium of En Dor, Tamar the Widow, Herodias, Athalia, Jael, The Adulteress, Bathsheba, and the Bleeding Woman. Even though they were “bad” in their time, a closer look at their lives reveals God’s truth, shining through the centuries and illuminating the corners of our lives. Liz Curtis Higgs’ blend of contemporary fiction, biblical commentary, and humor helps us all to experience God’s grace anew. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15th from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. We will discuss two chapters each week, concluding our study on May 6th. For more information and/or to sign-up, please contact Pam Morris (575.0255) or Leslie Hooker (940.0810).
The Psalms, In Honor of Jim Karsen January 29, 2009
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Sunday, February 22, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, March 1, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, March 8, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, March 29, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, April 19, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, April 26, 2009 | ||
| Sunday, May 3, 2009 | ||
Lead by Rev. Karen Fitz La Barge and Seminarian Drew Meyers
Worship Center II. 11:00 am - Noon
Jim Karsen was a beloved friend and teacher at Central Reformed Church and his Bible Studies were a regular feature of our Adult Education program. Jim was in the midst of his research for a Bible study on the Psalms for the fall of 2008 when he died suddenly. This Bible study will honor Jim’s work and his categories of the Psalms and draw on some of his notes to explore the different ways in which the ancient Hebrews used these words in their songs. Our sessions include:
Week one: Praise Psalms.
Week two: Penitential Psalms.
Week three: Wisdom Psalms.
Week four: King/ Royalty/ Messianic Psalms.
Week five: Imprecatory Psalms.
Week six: Laments.
Week seven: Concepts of God in the Psalms.
Come join us as we utilize the poetry of ancient Israel to grow closer to God!
Easter Sunday Worship 9:30 AM March 10, 2008
Posted by admin in : Events , add a comment| Sunday, April 12, 2009 | ||
Everyone is welcome to join us for our classic worship service on Easter Sunday. The handbells will ring out with joy, the choir will rejoice and the organ will sound in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Childcare is provided in both the infants nursery and the 2-3 year old Nursery.