August 2016 Cascadian

August 2016
Cascade Christian Church Crystal Retreat
August 11 -14
Cascade Culvers’ Night Fundraiser for Haiti Mission Team
Tuesday, August 16 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Young Families Cookout at Ada Park
Sunday, August 21 from 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Middle School /High School to Michigan’s Adventure
Saturday, August 27 from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
the cascadian
Cascade Christian Church
2829 Thornapple River Dr. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 949-1360
Fax: 949-0104
Website: www.cascadechristian.com
Dear Cascade Christian Church
A SUMMER OF
GRACE & FAITH
& HOPE
In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord God says to us “For I know the thoughts
that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and
not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
This summer we have declared to be a summer of grace. Grace is God's loving kindness to
us. It is a gift, unmerited, undeserved. This summer all of us who have been to Camp Crystal learned about being fearless in our faith. Faith is “being sure of what we hope for,
and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
As we enter the last month of summer, I would like to add that we be people who hold on
to hope. Hope might seem kind of like a false optimism, a desire, a dream, but with no
real assurance of getting what is hoped for. The ancient Hebrew and Greek words used in
the Bible for “hope” translate that hope is an indication of certainty. In the Bible, hope
means a strong and confident expectation.
Signs I have of hope in our church include:
 The joy of Vacation Bible School - so many kids, so many volunteers, learning
about Noah and God’s great grace in saving the world and starting again.
 The August “Get Away to God” Retreat at Crystal over August 11-14 - Reverend
Dave Geenen will be the spiritual leader, and Dave is amazing, camp is amazing, and the
weekend sounds incredibly amazing!
 The new members of our church - Luke Soderstrom and Steven Mann have
both come to us to be “under care” as they become pastors in the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ). I will have the joy of mentoring them as they practice ministry
among us. You can hear Steven preach on August 7th and Luke preach on August 21st.
Please join me in welcoming these excellent seminarians!
 The continued excellent leadership in our church - Our new board has had their
first meeting, the new chairs are settling into their areas of ministry, and we will have a
Board training event on Saturday, August 27 from 9:00-12 noon to get our new church
year started off together. Deep thanks to all who volunteer on our church board!
Many of you have quietly come to me to express your concerns about our nation and world
situations this summer. I encourage you to remain strong in your faith, because God is still
God and God is in control. I encourage you to be a person who brings grace to every situation you find yourself in, because you and everyone around you is made in the image of
God. And I encourage you to hold on to hope - not “pie in the sky” hope (where did that expression come from?) but Biblical hope - hope that is strong, hope that is a confident expectation, because we know Who is in charge and we will follow Him.
You are a blessing and it is a joy to be one of your pastors!
Jill Forton, Pastor
Office: 949-1360 ex. 102
Cell: 706-6386
E-Mail: [email protected]
Dear Cascade Christian,
A full summer and my heart is full. There is busyness that is busy, makes you tired. But there’s
good busyness that still makes you tired, but fills your heart. The summer of grace has and will
continue to fill my heart.
I LOVE THIS CHURCH!
Things in August
Young Families Cookout. Sunday, August 21 from 12:00-3:00 pm Ada Park
Let’s hang out and have some fun. Eat, fish, play tennis, Frisbee, etc…
Bring a dish or chips or what you like to eat. The church will provide entrée and drinks.
Guys Lunch Study. Thursday, August 25 at 12:00 pm Higher Grounds
Meet in Higher Grounds at noon to discuss this month’s topic.
The topic is………….James.
Associate Pastor of Young Adult Ministries
Steve Carigon
Office: 949-1360 x103 Cell: 550-8020
Email: [email protected]
young adult ministries and more
What a busy, wonderful summer. I had the privilege to represent Cascade Christian as a chaplain
at Camp Geneva. The day after I had the privilege of leading middle and high schoolers on a local
mission trip in Grand Rapids. A couple days after that I got to be part of the food booth at the Cascade 4th of July parade/celebration. I then had the privilege of being the camp pastor at Crystal for
middle and high schoolers. The day after that I got to preach and Angie and I joined the church.
The week after that I got to teach at our Vacation Bible School.
children’s ministry (Preschool—5th grade)
BABIES AND TODDLERS
Our Crib Room for Infants &
Toddlers is located on the first floor of
Centennial Hall in Room 109A
and is open every Sunday from 9:15 am—
12:15 pm. Your child will be safe with
Suzy, Christina, Katrina, Kalli and Lindsey.
What a great week of
Vacation Bible School! Thank
you to all who donated
time and supplies.
God is Good!
Sunday School - 9:30 Classes
Children are dismissed from
church following the Children's
Moment. All children meet in
rooms 222 and 223
for the summer.
Sunday School - 11:00 Class
Children go directly to Sunday
School. We have a large group
lesson in rooms 222 and 223.
F.W. Friends and CORE 345
are taking a break for the
summer. See you in October!
Children’s Ministry
Hannah Schneider
Church: 949-1360 x109 Cell: 821-5974
[email protected]
Middle School will be dismissed
to Sunday School
immediately following
communion at the 9:30 service.
Join us for an afternoon of grilling, yard
games, ice cream, and hanging out with
friends. The only thing you have to
bring is a friend! Let’s have an
awesome time relaxing and
catching up with one another.
Sunday School will finish
by 10:45.
No Wednesday Night
Class Until October!
Have a great summer!
August 27: Michigan’s Adventure
(9:00 am– 8:00 pm)
There’s no better way to celebrate
summer winding down than taking a
trip to Michigan’s favorite amusement
park! We will be spending the day at
the park, riding coasters, playing in the
water park and eating awesome food!
We will leave from church at 9:00 am.
Cost will be $25 per person and will
cover the park fee and food!
Service Projects
The middle school students are looking for
yard work projects to help raise money for
our upcoming events.
Please let us know if you need help!!
Middle School Youth Ministry
Adam Homan
Church: 949-1360 x105 Cell: 616-826-1749
[email protected]
middle school ministry (6th-8th grade)
Middle School
Sunday School
(6th-8th grade)
August 14: Game Day and
Cookout (12:00 pm-2:00 pm)
high school ministries (9th - 12th)
August 2016
Our local mission trip serving our neighbors was awesome!
Here are some pictures.
August 27: Michigan’s Adventure 9:00 am– 8:00 pm
There’s no better way to celebrate summer winding down than taking a trip
to Michigan’s favorite amusement park! We will be spending the day at the
park, riding coasters, playing in the water park and eating awesome food!
We will leave from church at 9:00 am. Cost will be $25 per person and will
cover the park fee and food!
This is a combined High School and Middle school trip!
E-
Associate Pastor of Young Adult Ministries
Steve Carigon
Office: 949-1360 x103 Cell: 550-8020
Email: [email protected]
Weekly Bible Studies
Wednesday Night
Adult Bible Study
SUMMER FUN
This awesome and welcoming group will meet occasionally this summer
to go out to dinner and to complete “A Faith of Your Own”. This month
let’s plan on dinner at Cascade Roadhouse on Thursday, August
18 at 6:00 PM and then go to church to study chapter 9.
Adult Sunday School
9:30 Class: The 9:30 Adult Sunday School Class is taking the summer off. They will begin a new study in September.
11:00 Class: The 11:00 Adult Sunday School has also decided to
take the summer off. Watch the September Cascadian for when classes will begin this fall.
Adult Groups and Activities
Soul Warmers: Soul Warmers, our church knitting group, would love to have you join them on
Monday, August 8 (second Monday of each month) at 7:00 pm in Room 112. Donations of yarn (4 ply
worsted, not wool), or gift cards to Joanne Fabrics are much appreciated, as these blankets go to our
shut-ins, the sick, and homeless shelters. Experienced or beginning knitters are always welcomed!
Haiti Mission Trip Fundraisers
There will be a fundraiser at the Cascade Culvers on Tuesday, August 16 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Come
eat at Culvers with your church family and raise some money for their trip to Haiti on September 30
through October 8.
They will also be sponsoring a Premier Designs Jewelry Party on Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 pm in
Higher Ground.
Adult Games Group: Adult Games Night is on Friday, August 26 (4th Friday of the month) at
7:00 pm in Higher Grounds Coffee House. All are invited to this fun and very welcoming group. Just
bring a snack to share and a beverage and then game on!
Cascade Christian Church Retreat at Camp Crystal - GET A WAY TO GOD - AUGUST 11-14
Join the people of the church at our beautiful Regional Camp Crystal Conference Center - over August 11-14. This is a great get
away - time to be with family, friends, self, and God - at a minimal
price. There will be worship and Bible study led by Pastor Dave
Geenen, campfires, trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes and other sites of
the great northwestern coastline of Lake Michigan. This is a weekend to relax or have an adventure, with many choices and a lot of
free time. If you need a break in a great setting, save this weekend!
Independence Camp: It is not to late to sign up for camp and you do not have to be a kid! This
July 31-August 6 come up to Frankfort to enjoy a relaxed week at Camp Crystal. Come for a day or
for the week. This camp caters to adults and has plenty of free time to enjoy the north country. Sign
up info in the church office.
Thank you to all who helped July 4!
It was a great day and a great
community outreach!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
ALL CHURCH WHITECAPS GAME
SEPTEMBER 1st at 7PM
End summer at the ballpark!
Ticket info will be out in late August
church family news
Thank You: “This is certainly a belated thank you to my church family for all the cards, flowers, dinners, telephone calls, and money that I have been receiving so faithfully. They have
certainly been a blessing to me. I also wish to thank the elders that come to visit and bring
communion. I really appreciate them bringing the “news” about the Sunday services. Thank
you for giving up your time to do God’s work.” Bless You, Ella Kimble
Weddings: Congratulations to Megan Farwell and Michael Erickson who were married in Caledonia on Sunday, July 3 and to Greg and Kim VanStrien who were married in the Chapel on
Saturday, July 16.
Anniversaries: Dick and Marti Goodrich and Bob and Shirley Ross are celebrating their 50th
wedding anniversaries this summer and Rex and Joyce Kingsland celebrated 67 years together!
Birthdays: Joyce Kingsland celebrated her 90th birthday on July 18!
Sympathy:
Evelyn Lane, age 106, of Danville, Pennsylvania, formerly of Lowell and Alto,
passed away on July 20. Evelyn began teaching in a one room school at Gove Lake and taught
in several other schools during her career. Some of our members remember having her as a
teacher. Pastor Jill presided at her memorial service on July 30 in the Chapel.
Babies: Rebecca Warner is the mother of Harlan Gary Lee Doyle who was born on July 19.
Baptisms: Grace Powers was baptized in Crystal Lake on June 23 during Elementary Camp.
Thomas McNeil was baptized in the Sanctuary on Sunday June 26. Thomas is the great grandson of Virgil and Gene Westdale and lives in Colorado.
New Members: On July 10, Luke Soderstrom came forward to bring his membership to Cascade Christian Church and on July 24 Pastor Steve Carigon and his wife, Angie, came forward to
officially bring their membership to our church. Welcome aboard!
Volunteer Needed: We are looking for someone who would consider serving as a host or
hostess for the Soup and Sandwich Lunch program this coming year. The event meets on the
first and third Thursdays of each month beginning September 15 through May 18. The host or
hostess should be able to be at church from approximately 11:15 am -1:15 pm and would greet
our guests, introduce the speaker or program for the day, make sure that someone is there to
do the closing prayer and help out as needed. If this fun job sounds like something you might
enjoy, please contact Susan Moushon at 676-1954 for more information.
GoFundMe: As many of you know the Zeeyrp family’s life changed in an instant when Scott
fell at home and broke his neck which severed his spinal column. Scott is paralyzed from the
chest down with very minimal use of his arms. Most likely Scott will never walk again. A fund
has been set up to help Melissa and the girls financially during this most difficult time. If you
would like to donate money to the Zeeryp family, go to Google and type in gofundme-scott
zeeryp and it will connect you with a way to do that. Please keep the family in your prayers as
they try to work with the insurance company to get Scott some basic care and equipment that
he needs.
A Summer of Grace
Traditional Worship at 8:00 & 11:00 in the Chapel
Contemporary Worship at 9:30 in the Sanctuary
Office Manager
Holly Brandsma
Church: 949-1360 x115 Home: 949-4296
E-Mail: [email protected]
Hello Cascade Christian Church,
At the board meeting on July 19th, we thanked the retiring board and committee chairs plus
welcomed the new ones. Many thanks for all the time and devotion of these leaders.
Thank you to those retiring:
Dan Robertson (Board Chair), Audrey Partak (Deacons), Ken Parker (Elders), Diane Phelps
(Missions), and Bonnie Blazer (Communications)
The new and returning Board Members and Committee Chairs are:
Jim Koessel (Board Chair), Jerry Fellinger (Board Vice-Chair), Armand Aronson (Treasurer),
Terri Wing (Board Secretary), Susan Merrill (Deacons), Pam Dykhuizen (Elders), Pat Howe
(Missions), Wayne Bartran (Trustees), Dan Hickey (Administration), Susan Moushon
(Congregational Care), Carl Moushon (GO Team), Sue Mieras (Worship), Lori & Rick Powers
(Christian Ed) and Holly Brandsma & Margaret Sharp (Communications).
We also reviewed the highlights of each Ministry Team Reports for the last month. A lot of
great things are going on here at CCC! Some of them are: finished Fiscal Year 2015/16 in the
black and we are starting this year with a balanced budget; lots of mission activities; work is
progressing on two visitor centers (in the narthex and Higher Grounds); VBS is July 25-29; 4th
of July was great with the parade and the brat sale; plans are in the works for two seminary
students, Steven Mann and Luke Soderstrom, to come under care at our church in preparation
for them becoming Disciple pastors.
Thank you all for your continued support for our church and its missions. If you have any
questions or concerns, please feel free to bring it to any of the board members listed above.
Blessings,
Terri Wing
CCC Board Secretary
church board and ministries news
Missions Ministry: You have been able to touch many lives in the last month!
Many of you donated many, many Books for Kent County Jail. We lost track of how
many, but the church van was packed to the brim with boxes of books. There were hundreds
donated and our books replaced many torn and tattered books. Because of you the inmates at
the jail have wholesome reading materials and uplifting devotionals to fill their days.
The outpouring of congregational support for the Family Promise Project was awesome and those in need were deeply grateful. Again, dozens of household items were donated
to support families in crisis moving from shelters to homes. God blessed our middle school and
high school youth when they participated in this ministry opportunity on their Mission Trips in
June. They are excited to engage in more opportunities with Family Promise.
Because of you, the Congregational Partnership with Salvation Army has been
strongly supported by our church family. The Martinez family is deeply grateful for
the many items that have already been delivered to their new home. The donations
are wrapping up, but please continue to keep baby Kaeden and father Amando in
your prayers as they deal with health issues.
There will be further opportunities this year to serve with The Edge, renewing our relationship with this urban ministry led by Troy Evans. We donated back-to
-school supplies during Vacation Bible School and the Sunday after to help the school age children get ready for the new school year. We will also be partnering with them for a painting and
carpentry “work day”, assisting them by adopting and freshening up a room that is actively used
for their various ministries. More information on this local mission’s opportunity for all ages will
be coming out soon.
There are two fundraising opportunities coming up this month for the Haiti Mission
Trip Team that will be leaving September 30 and returning October 8. They will be having a
Cascade Culvers’ Night on Tuesday, August 16 from 5:00-8:00 pm and a Premier Designs
Jewelry Party on Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 pm in Higher Grounds. Come buy gifts for upcoming events or just treat yourself and help those who will be traveling to Haiti. If you can’t
make it to the party, but have questions or would like to place an order, contact Kayla Lindquist
at 231-878-7640 or [email protected].
Cascade Christian Church – Crystal Lake Retreat
“Get-A-Way-2-God VI” – August 11 to 14, 2016
Spiritual Leader - Pastor David Geenen
Thursday, August 11
Saturday, August 13
6:30 pm
8:30
9:30
8:30 am
9:40
10:00
12:30
1:30
Dinner at Cherry Hut (bring $$)
Introductions and Ice Breakers
Campfire
Friday, August 12
8:30 am
9:40
10:00
12:30 pm
1:30
6:00 pm
8:00
Breakfast - egg bake, fruit
Praise and Worship in the Chapel
Bible Study
Lunch - cold cuts, salads
Possible afternoon activities:
tubing/canoeing on the Platte River
swimming at Platte Pointe
Gwen Frostic, Glen Arbor Tour
bike riding along Crystal Lake
(bikes and helmets available)
crafts/relax at camp
Dinner - burgers, brats, salad
Sunset at Pointe Betsie Lighthouse
8:00 pm
Breakfast - French toast bake
Praise and Worship in the Chapel
Bible Study
Lunch - pasta, garlic bread, salad
Possible afternoon activities
Benzonia or Frankfort
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Empire Beach at Lake Michigan
bike riding along Crystal Lake
(bikes and helmets available)
crafts/relax at camp
*dinner on your own
Frankfort Lighthouse, ice cream
Sunday, August 14
9:30 am
10:30
11:30
Breakfast - pastries, fruit, yogurt
Worship/Testimonies/Communion
Clean Up Camp
Registration Form for Crystal Camp Retreat
August 11 to 14, 2016
Name ______________________________________________Phone___________
Address___________________________ Email_______________________
Number attending (indicate age if under 18): __________________
Total Weekend Cost: $100 for Adults - $50 for 18/under - $30 per day
Amount paid: $____________ (Make checks payable to Cascade Christian Church)
General Release: On behalf of myself, my minor children or heirs, successors and personal representatives, I hereby release Crystal Conference Center, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Michigan Region or Cascade Christian Church, and their
representatives, of any and all liability in the circumstances of my accident or injury to myself and or my children during our participation at this retreat, whether such injury occurs through the ordinary negligence of the camp personnel, myself or other camp participants. The leaders of this camp have my permission to seek and obtain medial care for my child or me as needed.
Signature of participant/parent/guardian of family:
__________________________________________________________________________
August 2016
Sun
Worship
8:00 Chapel
9:30 Sanctuary
11:00 Chapel
Mon
1
Tue
2
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
CCC Crystal
Retreat
CCC Crystal
Retreat
Elections
7:00 am CH
Tech Team
5:00 pm CR
8
9
Guest Pastor
Steven Mann
Soul Warmers
Knitting Group
7:00 pm #112
Missions Ministry
7:00 pm CR
Property
Committee
8:30 am CR
Administration
Ministry
5:00 pm CR
CCC Crystal
Retreat 6:30 pm
14
15
CCC Crystal
Retreat
Young Families
Cookout
12:00 - 3:00 pm
Ada Park
28
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
Guy’s Lunch
Study
12:00 pm HG
Adult Game Night
7:00 pm
Higher Grounds
Church Board
7:00 pm CH
22
Guest Pastor
Luke Soderstrom
17
Culvers’ Night
Fundraiser for
Haiti Tem
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Middle School
Game Day and
Cook Out at
Church
12:00-2:00 pm
21
16
Information
due for
August
Cascadian
Communications
Committee
7:00 pm CR
29
23
Jewelry Party
Fundraiser for
Haiti Mission Trip
7:00 pm HG
30
MS/HS Trip to
Michigan’s
Adventure
9:00 am
Church Board
Orientation
Meeting
9:00 am CH
31
AA Groups
Mon. & Wed.
8:00 pm HG
AA/Alanon
Thursday
8:00 pm HG
Arthritis
Foundation
Exercise Class
Tues. & Thus.
1:15-2:15 pm
Sunday School: Classes for Adults at 9:30 and 11:00. Classes for Preschool-5th grade at 9:30 and 11:00.
Class for 6th-8th grades at 9:30. Crib Room available from 9:15 - 12:15.
CH - Centennial Hall, C - CL - Church Library, C - Chapel, CB - Chapel Basement, HG - Higher Grounds, CR - Conference Room,
S - Sanctuary, SN - Sanctuary Narthex, # 111 - Room 111, # 112 - Room 112
monthly calendar @ CCC
7
Cascade Christian Church
2829 Thornapple River Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Deadline for the September Cascadian: Monday, August 22, 2016.
Printing of Cascadian provided by Moonlight Graphics - www.moonlight-graphics.com.