April 2014

EASTER AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Join us this Easter season to reflect on and celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. Palm Sunday, 8:45 am and 11:00 pm Beginning with a festive procession of singing and palm waving to commemorate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, and concluding with the drama of his trial, this service of worship prepares our hearts and minds for Holy Week. Maundy Thursday, 7:30 pm A service of Holy Communion and scripture recalling Jesus’ last hours with the disciples. Good Friday The sanctuary will be open through out the day for your personal reflection. If you prefer more direction, prayer guides will be available during this time. Easter Sunday, 8:45 am and 11:00 am The tomb is empty! Christ is risen! Identical services with choir, trumpets, and Halleluiahs! Celebrate the Easter Feast with your family and friends at the Easter Breakfast, 9:30-11 in the Fellowship Hall.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Easter ................................. 1 Pastor’s Message ............... 2 Interim Associate Pastor…..3 Youth Ministry Message…..4 Worship Centers…….. ……...5 Meet Our New Members…..6 Deacons & Elders…………….8 Presbyterian Women ......... 9 FPC Core Values..…….…….10 Office Due Dates…….……...10 Congregational Life.………..11 Youth Choir….…………..…..12 It’s a “Guys” Thing………….12 Save the Date..…………..…..12 Celebrations………………….13 Church at Prayer……………13

CHURCH STAFF

PASTOR’S MESSAGE: RELENTLESS LIFE The best basketball players have it, grabbing the rebound, charging down the court, eyes on one more bucket in the last seconds of a tournament game—relentlessness.

Linda Knieriemen Pastor [email protected] Peter Theune Interim Associate Pastor [email protected]

Ravel has it in Bolero, Barber in Adagio for Strings, each insisting repeating one more time, and one more time again, a melody refusing a conclusion --relentlessness.

Andrea Donahoe Youth Ministry Director [email protected]

Life itself is relentless in its rejection of conclusion or defeat.

Chuck Norris Director of Music [email protected] Nick Norris Music Assistant [email protected] Nancy Burkitt Child Care [email protected] Thom Samuelson Maintenance [email protected]

See it in deer, foraging ever closer to busy highway medians for the rare remnants of last fall’s leaves and acorns. See it in a dying woman, body worn and exhausted, heaven’s beauty in view, hanging on to life with yet… one… more… breath.

Jodi Stevens Bookkeeper [email protected]

I wonder if that push back from death isn’t part of the image of God we inherited in Creation? Unrelenting life is now stamped in our inner being. I wonder if Creation’s unrelenting insistence on life reflects that character of God shown through Jesus Christ, who, in the face of danger, hatred, and fear, still persisted in hope, love, and courage all the way, even to his death.

Hope Alexander Custodian contact church office

And that is the riddling, joyful miracle of Easter: Christ is Risen! Resurrection! Even death isn’t the end of life!

Lori Klinesteker Clerk of Session & Children’s Ministry Leader [email protected] Kristin Baron Organist [email protected] Catie Hauch Communications Director [email protected] Church Contact: 616-392-9022 www.fpcholland.org

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See it in a bulb, found already sprouting when 4 feet of snow expose it to the sun’s increasing warmth.

Relentless Life, indeed! Easter comes late this year, perhaps a fitting conclusion to the relentlessness of this winter. Celebrate with the First Presbyterian Church Community on April 20, 8:45 and 11:00 AM. I promise the service will not be relentless. Only the joy! Linda

INTERIM ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE: TO EACH OF YOU - SPRING GREETINGS !! At least I think its spring. I just can't see over the snow banks outside my office window. However, April is just around the corner and it ranks as one of my favorite months of the year. Spring is coming slowly this year but it is coming. Our local hardware store is no longer featuring shovels and salt but instead there are seeds for planting, fertilizer for growing, and the grill display has returned to the front of the store. For many of you spring break is within reach. This morning I am sure I heard a robin's song. The evenings are brighter and longer. The chill of a long, long winter cannot keep spring from happening. New life is in the making. I like to think of April as 'resurrection' month. Rob Bell, the former pastor from Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, has a new book on the market - What We Talk About When We Talk About God. Sunday afternoon our TV was tuned into the Michigan vs Michigan State basketball game. During a break from the game I was channel surfing and came across an interview between Oprah Winfrey and Rob Bell regarding his new book. I divided my time between basketball and Bell. Both were good TV (and that's often hard to find). The series by Oprah is called Super Soul Sunday. It was a stimulating conversation. You can watch it at: http://vimeo.com/78972062. Perhaps his new book would be a good follow up to our current small group discussions on Growing Up: A Lifelong Journey. Here are a few of Bell's thoughts I found interesting. The intention of his new book: God is with us. God is for us. God is ahead of us. God is pulling us forward into a better future and is ready to help us live life to the fullest. Don't ask for success. Ask for wonder. Today matters. It really matters. It is an incredible canvas. There is nothing to prove. After we die our essence continues. The world is humming with spirituality (with God). That's what Easter is all about: WE MATTER TO GOD. This good news might be ancient to some but it is as fresh and life giving as that robin’s first song of spring. Easter greetings to each of you. Pete

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YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR: GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE QUESTIONS WE ASK Part of the life of a faithful Christian includes asking the big questions. Everyone knows which ones. They are questions like “Is God real?” or “What about science and the Bible?”, among many others. To ask questions is to use our God-given capacity for critical thinking and apply it to God, creation, and ourselves. It brings glory to God when we use our brains in just the same way a singer using his voice, or a violinist playing her instrument bring glory to God. But what’s next? How do we explore the possible answers? Whether you are a mid-higher just beginning to explore faith for yourself, a parent trying to walk with your youth as they question, or an adult asking the questions for yourself, here are some resources that can guide you in your seeking.

For Youth - The Case for a Creator Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel - Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis For Mature Readers - The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity by Lee Strobel - The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller - Encounters with Jesus: Unexpected Answers to Life's Biggest Questions by Timothy Keller - http://stickyfaith.org/parents - http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101/ As a Christian, I firmly believe that “all truth is God’s truth”, so there is no truth out there that I can learn that will separate me from God, because all the truth out there is of God’s making. So ask away. God is big enough to handle it. - Andy Donahoe

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WORSHIP CENTERS—KEEPING IN TOUCH Tending the Gardens The “training or review” of the Child and Youth Protection Policy (CYPP) adopted by the Session of FPC and a requirement of our insurance company; is now in the planning stages. We are required to train or update our CYPP information form annually, with all parishioners who in some way are in contact with our children when their parent is not present. Date: Sunday, April 27, 2014 Time: 8:45 am; 9:45 am; or 11:00 am (choose one)

Who: Nursery/Celebration/Exploration Time volunteers, Worship Center volunteers; Midway/Sr. High volunteers; Ruling Elders, Deacons and Staff. If you know of a group that may be using our building, that has children present – please let me know as they need to be identified and trained as well. Everyone is invited! Thank you for embracing this policy, for your commitment to the safety of our children and to protect ourselves from false accusations. ***** Vacation Bible School The projected date is the week of July 20 (evenings). We will once again join Grace Episcopal and Peace Lutheran and welcome Good Shepherd Lutheran to our group this year. Peace Lutheran will be the host church at 389 James Street. A big THANK YOU to Beth Magennis who will lead the music, again! We are seeking folks who would be willing to be leaders in the preschool room, classrooms, craft room, science area, and junior counselors. Ages for VBS “campers” are preschoolers (potty-trained), through those who are finishing the fifth grade. Please email me if you may be interested in volunteering. Sign up for VBS campers will be later this Spring. My email is: [email protected] May your hearts be ready for the renewed hope that Spring brings, Lori Klinesteker

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MEET OUR NE Linda Lee Avery graduated from high school in Fullerton, CA, and holds a degree in accounting from Western Michigan University. She is retired and enjoys writing, reading, dogs and travel. She lives at 44 Michigan Avenue with husband Alan. The couple has two adult children. A third child passed away at 7 years of age. Her email is [email protected] Alan A. Avery graduated from Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, MI and from Western Michigan University with a degree in Social Science. He is retired and lives at 44 Michigan Avenue with his wife, Linda. He enjoys sports, reading and travel. He has volunteered with Kids Food Basket and Michigan Blood. His email is [email protected] Bonnie Jones graduated from Coral Gables High School in Florida and from Stetson University where she studied Elementary Education. She is a retired elementary and junior high teacher and worked in both Florida and Ohio. She enjoys stamp collecting and was a tour escort for more than 20 years with her local YWCA. She is transferring her membership from First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert, OH where she was an elder and involved in missions and women’s circles. She now resides at Freedom Village.

Chuck Smith graduated from Monroe High School and Michigan State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He is now retired and enjoys wood working. He was a member of Douglas UCC, Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, and of a Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. Chuck lives at 1035 N. Maple, Apt. D-3, Saugatuck and his email address is [email protected]

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EW MEMBERS: Martha Ann Wilson is a graduate of Roseville High School in IL, Milliken University at Decatur, IL with a major in instrumental music education, and the Milwaukee School of Flower Design. She is a part time flower designer at Picket Fence in Holland. She enjoys travel, knitting, kayaking, reading and the movies. She has attended Catholic and Baptist congregations and most recently Crossroads Presbyterian in Mequon, WI. She and Keith are married and have two grown children. Her email is [email protected] Keith Wilson graduated from high school in Nebraska and holds a degree in communications/marketing from Milliken University in Decatur, IL and now is retired. He enjoys travel, hiking, the movies and arts and culture. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a member at Crossroads Presbyterian church in Mequon, WI before coming to Holland. His email is [email protected] Gwen H. Boeve is a graduate of West Ottawa High School, holds a degree in economics from the University of Michigan and a nursing degree from Grand Valley State University. She is a registered nurse at Saint Mary’s hospital in Grand Rapids. She enjoys horses, exercise, running and travel. She has volunteered with Women in Transition. She attended Beechwood Reformed and Christ Memorial churches in Holland. She is married to Joshua Boeve and they have a young daughter, Mae. Her email is [email protected] Joshua James Boeve graduated from West Ottawa High School and Eastern Michigan University with a degree in history/political science. He is a safety consultant. He enjoys fitness, reading and boating. He was a member of Grace Reformed Church. His email is [email protected] Theodore A. DuMez is a graduate of Holland High, Hope College with a degree in economics and from the University of Kentucky with a Masters degree. He was a member of Third Reformed Church in Holland, New York Avenue Presbyterian in Washington D.C. and Christ Memorial in Holland from which he transferred by letter to FPC. He has two adult children from a previous marriage: Alex and Tim DuMez. His email is [email protected]

Anne Rebecca DuMez graduated from high school in Philadelphia, PA and West Chester State University in Pennsylvania with a degree in English and math and retired as an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency. She is married to Theodore DuMez. She volunteers with reading programs and Community Action House and enjoys gardening, fused glass making, cooking and art and her grandchildren. She has a son from a previous marriage, Jason Hunter. She was a member of a Presbyterian church in Manassas, VA and transfers to FPC by letter from Christ Memorial Church in Holland. Her email is [email protected] 7

MEET YOUR DEACONS: NORTH EAST

NORTH WEST

TOWN

SOUTH EAST

Beth Magennis

Joan Smart

Cassie Hildebrandt

Joni Hoezee

Libby Dickinson

Shirley Benko

Ruth Roberts

Sammie Birdsall (Freedom Village)

Bob Gansen

Krish Knittel

Rose Wade

Bob Bristol

Marilyn Chamberlain

Gayle Ruisard

Jo An Petersen

YOUR ELDERS: Business Affairs Council:

Peter Laux

Congregational Life Council:

Bonnie Cowie & Gayle Shumaker

Christian Education Council:

Mickie Wildt & Marie Burkholder

Hospitality Council:

Helen Teutsch

Outreach Council:

Dean Kreps

Personnel Council:

Rebecca Gardiner

Stewardship Council:

Jon Kreple & Peg Purdy

Worship Council:

Collin Magennis

Youth Elder at Large:

Maggie Hoffswell

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SOUTH WEST

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN BIBLE STUDY The scripture to read for Lesson Eight in An Abiding Hope by Janice Catron is Exodus 32:1-34:10; Deuteronomy 6:10-25. Key Idea: The Story of the golden calf shows how quickly anxiety and fear can lead us to turn from God. The story also shows the infinite measure of God's grace, mercy, and steadfast love.

Insights - The Hebrew people's fear stood in stark contrast to God's faithfulness. - Moses defended the people and was willing to sacrifice himself on their behalf, but Aaron shifted the blame from himself to the people. - Moses expected the people to be grateful for God's mercy and gifts, but learned that, over time, the people would live with a sense of entitlement. Migration Story: Migrants traveling in the desert along the U.S./Mexico border often erect altars out of the materials they are carrying or that they find on their journey. These altars are acts of faith and places of prayer for safety for those who migrate. Fences and other barriers have been constructed in the desert to force migrants along more treacherous paths, further jeopardizing safety. As Christians, we are called to pray for the safety of all people, including those who migrate without legal protection (AH,p.74). Current Connections: We often forget that God is the giver of all gifts in our lives. "The challenge is to accept these gifts and to live within God's grace in constant remembrance of what God has done for us and the community of faith" (AH,p.76). We are to show our gratitude by helping others (2. Cor.9:8; 11-12).

DATES TO REMEMBER April 16 Lenten Breakfast - 9:30 am Fellowship Hall The Theme is "Sharing Faith Journeys" and part of the program is participants in the 2013 and 2014 Retreats sharing their experiences. Come and enjoy the fellowship and a delicious breakfast buffet catered by Hope College. The cost is $12 and the sign up sheets will be on the PW shelf starting on the last Sunday in March. April 2 10:00 am PW Coordinating Team 2:00 pm Study Leaders April 9 9:30 am Miriam Circle April 10 1:30 pm Hannah Circle April 30 10:00 am PW Coordinating Team 2:00 pm Study Leaders

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH’S CORE VALUES First Presbyterian Church Holland expresses its core belief and values through the following statements: 

We value creative worship in the Presbyterian tradition.

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We strive to be nonjudgmental and respectful in our differences.

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We unconditionally welcome all people to Christ’s table.

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We welcome and encourage all members to participate in the leadership of FPC.

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We encourage spiritual growth through worship, small groups, mission, experience, fellowship, prayer, discussion and honest questioning.

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We value strengthening community through working, playing and eating together.

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We value sharing God’s abundant grace and love in Jesus Christ today more than we value striving for salvation tomorrow.

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We commit to outreach ministries through volunteering our time, talents and treasures.

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We engage together in thoughtful biblical and theological reflections on social and global issues, and encourage individual responses.

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We are proudly a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). From the 2014 Strategic Plan, adopted by Session.

OFFICE DUE DATES It’s a new day, and we need to work in some new ways. These changes are being made to ensure that everyone’s needs are able to be met in a timely manner. Please make note of these due dates: Bulletin Announcements: The Tuesday before the Sunday the announcement is to run. Because of space constraints, staff may shorten your announcement or print them in the following week’s bulletin. Church business will receive priority, followed by community activities as space allows. Profiles Articles: 18th of the month for the next month’s issue. Mailings: Two weeks before the mailing is to go out. This timeline allows supplies to be purchased, the mailings to be formatted & printed, and a volunteer to get the mailing out. General Copy/Printing: Mondays-Wednesdays (with staff assistance) & Saturdays -Sundays. The copier is not available for printing or copying on Thursdays or Fridays unless you’ve checked with the staff ahead of time. Brochures, Flyers, Pew Cards: Three weeks before materials are to be distributed. Again, this allows for formatting, proofing, & printing.

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE: Fat Tuesday Potluck. On March 4, about 70 FPC members and friends of all ages gathered for fun, fattening food, and a brief introduction to the Lenten Study. It was a great way to end Fat Tuesday! The Easter Breakfast will be served on April 20 between worship services. This is one of our best attended events of the year and we need your help! We need volunteers to bring sweet breads, muffins, and fresh fruit, volunteers to help set tables on Saturday, and volunteers to help with clean-up after the breakfast. We already have a great crew of volunteer cooks for the kitchen! Watch for volunteer sign-up sheets in upcoming bulletins. Or, call or email Gayle Shumaker (616-399-1128; [email protected]). Hope to see you all there!

“Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in but rubbed out. Fellowship happens when mercy wins over justice.” -Rick Warren

DINNERS FOR 7 Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 6:00 PM All adults are invited to participate in the Spring “Dinners for 7”. Six or seven people will be assigned to a host home. The hosts will call and ask you to bring a dish to share. Hosts will provide the main dish. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with members/friends of the church you may have seen, but do not know well. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary or email Judy Rouse at [email protected] with your reservation or questions. The deadline for reservations is Wednesday, April 16th. Come! Join the fun!

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YOUTH CHOIR Announcing a new Youth Choir opportunity! Inviting all upper-elementary, Mid-High Youth, and any other young people interested in singing! We will be having rehearsals during EXPLORATION TIME (second service) on the fourth Sunday of the month starting in March. (Mrs. Olney will continue to have activities for Exploration Time on the second Sunday of the month.) Please come to any rehearsal you can. Songs will also be available online for some practice at home. Contact Jen DeWaard, Beth Magennis, or Chuck Norris if you have any questions! March 23 April 27 May 18

Rehearsal during Exploration Time Rehearsal during Exploration Time (Third Sunday because fourth Sunday is Memorial Day) Only mandatory rehearsal at 9:00 am, PERFORM at end of first service and beginning of second.

IT’S A “GUYS” THING Thursday, April 17th, 8 PM, 8th Street Grille, Host: TBD. Open to all men with a particular invitation to 'guys' in their 20s to 50. A place for good fellowship, good conversation, and good connection. Hey guys, this is a good gathering to invite your friends to come along. Put the date and time on your calendar TODAY - April 17 @ 8:00 PM! See you there.

SAVE THE DATE: More Details to Come...

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Preschool Wheel-a-Thon

April 23

Percussion Concert

May 18

Family Camp weekend @ Camp Greenwood

May 23-26

Single Sumner Service Begins

May 25

40th Annual Canoe Trip

July 11-13

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 4/1 4/2 4/5 4/7 4/9

CHURCH AT PRAYER Sunday’s prayer requests on the church website, fpcholland.org when we have the permission of the one being prayed for. To maintain confidentiality, the prayer list is password protected. The password is FIRST. If you would like to submit a prayer request for publication on this list, send it to [email protected]. If you would like to share a confidential prayer request, contact [email protected].

LONG TERM CARE

HOME BOUND

SYMPATHY

Cynthia Taylor

Bob & Nan Froelich Freedom Village Inn

Don Brower

Bruce Blitch & The family of Karl Krueger

Ted & Avis Heger

Mary Jenkins Maplewood Resthaven IN CANCER Dorothy Busscher Heartland Health Care Robert & Charlotte Unger Tendercare of Holland Joyce Scholten Heritage Health Care (Zeeland)

TREATMENT

4/10 4/11 4/12 4/13 4/17 4/19 4/21

4/26 4/27 4/28 4/29

Paula Perkins Linda Winkelmann Brian Wagner Janet Morrow Richard Rust Stacey Bristol Richard Giles Mary Blackall Robert Wirbel Gail Hering Bryan Rudick Daniel Gansen Emma Martens Jared Cole Betty Dykstra George Rust Robert Gansen Doug Johnson Steve Magennis Ruth Van Haitsma Brad Rhein Patricia Updegraff Michael Ricketts Krista Anderson Ruth Roberts

Ida Kompsie & The family of Bob Kompsie

Karen Lichti Shirley Weersing HOSPITALIZED

Mayneen Dykstra IN MILITARY SERVICE

Tyler Klinesteker In Vilsek, Germany

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(P)616.392.9022 www.fpcholland.org 14