March 2020 March Mission - River Terrace Church
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March 2020
March Mission
by Pastor Ken
March celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, which
reminds me of when our family lived on Long First, like Patrick, we are part of the greater
Island in New York. One Sunday of our first year mission of making Jesus known to the world in
there, I walked out of our church building to the time and place in which we live. Second, like
find twenty-three bagpipe brigades warming up Patrick’s unchosen time of captivity, we often do
in our parking lot. As they were preparing for not like the circumstances we find ourselves in.
the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the large number We should, however, be open to how God might
of bagpipers and drum majors reflected the use those situations to prepare us for service in
significant presence of persons of Irish descent his kingdom. You wouldn’t expect a former slave
in the area. These teams would march down the to return to the place of his captivity, but Patrick
main street between crowds of revelers in green. followed the leading of God’s Spirit through
a dream to go back. Third, Patrick related the
St. Patrick’s Day also makes me think of the history gospel to where he was. Instead of getting rid
of Christian missions. That’s because tradition of Celtic culture, Patrick helped connect it to
credits Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, the Triune God. The result was a robust Celtic
with evangelizing Ireland. Patrick first went to Christian tradition that produced beautiful art,
Ireland as a teenager when he was captured by promoted community, and took on the mission
marauders and taken from his home in England. of taking Christianity back to the European
As a kidnap victim, Patrick spent a few years as a continent.
slave, serving as a shepherd boy. He eventually
escaped and went to the European continent March 17 is the traditional date for Patrick’s
before returning home. After undergoing some death, which is why that date is named for him.
training, Patrick went once again to Ireland, So this March 17, when you wear a bit of green,
but this time voluntarily, in order to bring the remember that Patrick was a great missionary
gospel. The result of his work over the next few who gave his life for the mission of the gospel.
decades left a legacy that not only shaped Irish May we do the same.
culture, but proved pivotal to global Christianity.
Council Meetings
Though Patrick lived one-and-a-half millennia March 19 • April 16 • May 21 • June 18
before us, his story speaks to Christians today.
Kids Easter Event
Sunday, April 5 there will be a Special Easter
Event for children age Preschool-5th grade.
Sunday School classes will be in Fellowship Hall
from 10:10-11:00 AM there will be an Easter
movie, plastic egg decorating, Easter and Palm
Children’s Ministry Sunday snacks and crafts.
by Shalom Jaconette, Children’s Ministries Director
Valentine Boxes
Thirty-six children between the ages of 6 and 15 live in a group home in Lansing. Our fourth and fifth
graders decided to make valentines boxes for them as a Sunday school class project. Handwritten
valentines, donated gifts & candy, and decorated boxes were all part of this heartfelt project. Thank you
to everyone who donated items. The group home at St. Vincent was happy to receive them!
Save the Dates
PINEWOOD DERBY
VBS
Wednesday June 15-18
April 22 at 6:30 PM
9:00 AM-Noon
in the Gym
—2—
Gathering of the Soon-to-be-Graduates discussion. We are asking that students RSVP
by Brendan J. Stevens the Friday before the meeting so that we can
Director of Youth & Family Ministries accurately plan for the meal.
In just a few months, our current 12th graders Seniors, make plans to join us for this special time!
will be walking across the stage, receiving their
diplomas and officially closing their high school
Winter Retreat Was A Blast!
careers.
Before that chapter closes, we have made an
annual tradition of gathering our seniors together
for discussion, reflection and preparation for
the challenges that lie ahead. That practice will
continue this year.
I’ll be hosting a luncheon for our upcoming
graduates once a month in March, April, and May.
These gatherings are designed to give students
the chance to have open and honest discussions Our first Winter Retreat to Grace Adventures was a
resounding success. We had 14 students at their Winter
about the challenges of finishing their high school Blast, enjoying the many activities, moving worship and
race well and pursuing their faith as they step out challenging messages. It will be exciting to see how our
on their own. experience at Grace Adventures launches into the next
season of youth ministry at River Terrace.
The dates are set for March 22, April 19, and May
17. Each meeting will consist of lunch and guided
Sunday Photo Scavenger Hunt
March 5:00-7:30 PM
1 FREE event! MS & HS students invited to a
special evening with Ignite. Friends welcome.
There were a variety of activities available to our
group throughout the weekend, including a Broomball
Sunday Ignite Sunday Night Tournament, 9-Square-In-The-Air, Laser Tag, Battleball
March March is “Real Talk” month. Tournament, rock climbing wall, and more!
8, 15, We will continue to meet from 5:00 to 7:30 PM
22 & 29 but split into separate MS & HS discussions.
Wed. Youth Bible Study
March For students grade 6 to 12. Using “The Pilgrim’s
11, 18 Progress” to take a deeper look at the gospel
& 25 story.
Graduating Senior Luncheon
Sunday 12:30 - 2:00 PM
March UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES are
22 invited to a special lunch and discussion. We’ll
talk about finishing high school well and how
to launch into the next phase.
Escape Room
Saturday Time TBD – Cost: $10/person
March Test your puzzle skills at one of our local escape Circle East, the worship band for the weekend, was a big
28 rooms. Group will be capped at 9 people. Pay
to reserve your spot!
hit with our students. They led us in familiar favorites and
introduced us to some new songs, too.
—3—
RT University: Bob DeVinney
Join us in the Gym on Monday, March 2 at Noon
to hear from Bob DeVinney and his experiences
in World War II. He was a member of the 82nd
Airborne Division and fought at The Battle of
the Bulge. Sign up in the office.
Adult Small Group Leader
In her new role as point person for adult small Men’s Monthly Breakfast
groups, Lynette Pemble will be contacting Men meet in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday,
someone in current groups to find out things March 17 from 8:00-9:00 AM for great food and
like who is currently in the group, if there’s room insightful conversation with brothers in Christ.
for more participants, where and how often Please RSVP to Pastor Ken (ken@riverterrace.org).
your group meets, what your meetings look like,
etc. This will help her know how best to serve
the groups, help others find one, and assess the Lectio Divina
need for new groups. If you have a question Sundays in the Quad from 10:10-11:00 AM
about any of this, feel free to contact Lynette led by Paula Triezenberg, RTC Member
Pemble at michaelpemble@sbcglobal.net. You are invited to gather and practice Lectio
Divina (divine reading) and Visio Divina
Wednesday Morning Pastor’s Study (imaginative prayer), silence, and prayers
10:00-11:00 AM in the Quad together during the church school hour. All
adults are welcome to attend some or all of the
Enjoy fellowship, study, and conversation as we
meetings.
continue our study on Colossians - Spiritual
Fulness in Christ.
DONATION REPORT
Community Night Adult Class February 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,451
Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45 PM in the Quad February 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,311
led by Pastor Ken February 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,105
The Community Night Adult Discipleship Class Pathway of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,437
will complement Sunday mornings by looking Lansing Christian School Annual Fund $ 2,017
at “The World of the New Testament,” drawing Nigeria Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,647
from video teachings by N. T. Wright and
Over/(Under) YTD: ($13,218)
Michael Bird.
Community Assistance Program - Canned meats (chicken, roast beef, corned beef, tuna,
March Giving salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines). Cans with pull tabs are good.
Opportunities Giving Box Donations - Trash bags (lawn and kitchen size), laundry soap (liquid and powder),
and fabric softener.
Sunday Adult Forum Sunday Mornings, 10:10-11:00 AM in the Gym
Join us in the Gym for a series that takes you into the world and life of New Testament Christians.
“A Week in the Life” will explore the background of first century society.
March 1: A Week in the Life of … Roman Cities
March 8: A Week in the Life of … Ephesus (with John Kaufmann and Pastor Ken)
March 15: A Week in the Life of … a Greco-Roman Woman
March 22: A Week in the Life of … a New Testament Slave (with John Kaufmann)
March 29: A Week in the Life of … a Centurion
—4—
Looking Ahead — Holy Week Young Adults Volleyball
Palm Sunday: April 5 at 9:00 and 11:15 AM Join us for a friendly game
At both services, we will celebrate Palm Sunday of volleyball on Saturday,
with children waving palm fronds, emulating March 7 from 4:00-5:30 PM.
those who waved palms and laid their clothes Complimentary CHILDCARE is available, please
on the ground to honor the King riding into RSVP to Ginny (ginny@riverterrace.org) by
Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. March 5. Come meet other young adults from
River Terrace Church. Friends are welcome!
Maundy Thursday: April 9, at 7:00 PM
We will partake of the Last Supper in our service. FYI: RTC
The Sanctuary will be open at 6:30 PM for those
who wish to quietly meditate and pray. Have a question about anything River Terrace
Church? Stop in to the Meeting Room the first
Sunday of every month immediately after either
Easter Sunday: April 12 at 9:00 and 11:15 AM
the 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM service.
Marvel in Christ’s resurrection at our Easter
Services. Both services will be a joyous testament
There will be a pastor and a member of our staff/
to the power of our God. Pastor Brent will preach
council to answer it for you. We look forward to
a message about Christ’s resurrection.
meeting you.
RTC Online Directory
We are excited that our new church management software, Servant Keeper, provides the possibility
for an online church directory.
If you haven’t already provided a photo, you can upload one. You will be able to edit your address,
phone numbers, birthdates, etc. so those will always be up-to-date. Also available will be the
possibility to view your giving record and print statements.
Go online to https://servantkeeper.com/member-portal/riverterrace to reach the Member
Portal where you will need to enter your primary family email address. This address needs to
be used for all members of your family who wish to access the directory. Click on “Forgot your
password?” to get a link mailed to your email address to set a password for your account. If the
email you used is not the one we have listed as your primary family email address, you can either
try another email address, or contact the church office so we can change it to the one you would
prefer. This password will access only your family’s information.
Click on “View River Terrace Church’s Directory” to see an online picture directory. You will be
able to see family photos, in color, of those who have provided them. To access the directory, you
will need the password that will be emailed to you. If you have any problems or concerns, please
call the church office.
—5—
Council Nominations
by Melissa Keeley, Deacon
Winter
Council is requesting your help in providing
Fun
nominations for the offices of Elder and Deacon. Day
Each year, Council asks the congregation to
prayerfully consider who may be well suited to Winter Fun Day was held Sunday, February 23
serve in one of these offices and can use their and featured a potluck, chili competition, kids
gifts to provide thoughtful, Christ-centered crafts, a snowball toss and a cakewalk. Thank
leadership for the Church. Elders and deacons you to those that competed in the Chili Compe-
should exhibit spiritual maturity, and be tition or donated a cake for the Cake Walk!
committed to the Lord as well as to the ministry
of River Terrace Church.
Please make your recommendations for these
important offices by completing a nomination
form available in the church office and placing it
in the box marked “Nominations,” or by emailing
Melissa Keeley at melissa.telltalephoto@
gmail.com no later than March 1. All
recommendations will receive thoughtful and
prayerful consideration. From your nominations
Council will put forth a slate of two men and
two women for each office. At the May 17
Congregational meeting RTC members will vote
for two Elders and two Deacons from the slate.
Please also keep the Council and the nominating
committee in your prayers as we go through this
process. Thank you for your help.
Fresh Fruit Collection Over 50 items were donated for the Cakewalk,
for Homeless Angels: with people of all ages joining in on the fun.
Sunday, March 8
Friends & Flicks: Thursday, March 19 at 6:00
PM in Fellowship Hall. This month’s movie is
“9 to 5” (Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda)
Breaking Bread: Thursday, March 26 at
6:00 PM at Grand Traverse Pie Co. (corner of
Grand River and Hagadorn). Women of all
ages are welcome.
—6—
COMPETITION
There were eight tasty entries in the chili compe-
tition this year. Congratulations to the winners:
1st place - Mike Pemble
2nd place - Rachel Banasik and Jack Bieber Chili contest winners Jayme Geers, Mike Pemble,
3rd place - Jayme Geers Jack Bieber and Rachel Banasik.
Kids enjoyed coloring a snowman for the color-
ing contest.
The snowball toss was
played by all ages.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to
make this such a fun event, it could not happen
without your help!
—7—
Sunday, March 1: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM
“Reasons to Love God: God Puts His Heart in Our Hands”
based on Hosea 1 by Pastor Brent Wassink
Special Offering: Anthony & Sara Sytsma/World Renew
Sunday, March 8: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM
Connect
LOVING EACH
“Reasons to Love God: God Works to Win Us”
based on Hosea 2 by Pastor Brent Wassink
Serve
LOVING
OTHER Special Offering: Campus Edge THE WORLD
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Sunday, March 15: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM
“Reasons to Love God: God Restores the Relationship”
based on Hosea 3 by Pastor Ken Bieber
Special Offering: Dynamic Youth
Sunday, March 22: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM
“Reasons to Love God: God Has A Dream for Us”
based on Hosea 6:1-10 by Pastor Brent Wassink
Special Offering: Adam Umbarger/IVCF
Grow Sunday, March 29: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM Worship
LOVING “Reasons to Love God: God Gives Reality Checks” LOVING
THE TRUTH based on Hosea 7:3-16 by Pastor Brent Wassink GOD
Special Offering: Youth Scholarship
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