Kuyper College WorkPlace Partnership help students get job, degree
An initiative Kuyper College recently launched that will start this fall will enable students to earn a degree, work a part-time entry-level job and help pay their tuition. It's the first of its kind in Michigan.
Butterball Farms Inc., and Lumbermen's Inc. are participating in Kuyper College's urban WorkPlace Partnership program, which will launch this fall. "A portion of the student's tax-free compensation will be used to pay down tuition, which when added to additional state and federal grants, can help students graduate with little to no debt," said Dr. Patricia Harris, president of Kuyper College. Under the WorkPlace Partner initiative, class schedules are configured to allow students to work 20 hours each week. Presently the college is finalizing partnership agreements with other Grand Rapids businesses.
Butterball Farms Inc., and Lumbermen's Inc. are participating in Kuyper College's urban WorkPlace Partnership program, which will launch this fall. "A portion of the student's tax-free compensation will be used to pay down tuition, which when added to additional state and federal grants, can help students graduate with little to no debt," said Dr. Patricia Harris, president of Kuyper College. Under the WorkPlace Partner initiative, class schedules are configured to allow students to work 20 hours each week. Presently the college is finalizing partnership agreements with other Grand Rapids businesses.
Corcoran appointed Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic School
Ryan Corcoran has been appointed principal of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. Corcoran was selected with a unanimous recommendation from the search committee consisting of teachers, parents, the retiring principal and school board members. He most recently served as assistant principal at Saint Thomas for one year. Prior to that, he taught English and theology and coordinated the international student program at West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids. He is trilingual, speaking Spanish and Chinese in addition to English. Corcoran has previously taught in university, high school, kindergarten and preschool classrooms in China; elementary and high schools in Spain; and online adult education for students from around the world. He also has experience teaching special education.
Cause Camp conference set for Oct. 13-15
Cause Camp, a national nonprofit immersive conference, has added a fall session October 13-15 at the Eberhard Center on the campus of Grand Valley State University's downtown Grand Rapids campus. The conference is presented by Nonprofit Hub and Do More Good following their merger at the close of 2020.
Calvin U. forms presidential search committee
Calvin University's Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees has selected a 16-member presidential search committee following the resignation earlier this year of current president Micheal Le Roy.
The committee is composed of individuals with a broad array of experience and gifts who share a commitment to seeing how God's faithfulness revealed through Calvin's new leader.
The committee is composed of individuals with a broad array of experience and gifts who share a commitment to seeing how God's faithfulness revealed through Calvin's new leader.
Hope Network receives suicide prevention grant
Hope Network, a Christian nonprofit that helps people with disabilities live independently, recently received a $1.4 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. Hope Network will now offer suicide prevention services to 150,000 people across Michigan, which is part of the Zero Suicide initiative.
New Gender Ideology – A Given in American Culture
The gender revolution fight is over, and the new gender ideology has won.
I don't mean we should give up, so to speak. I certainly do not mean we should jettison a biblical understanding of sexuality, and I don't mean we shouldn't speak this truth in love.
I mean: the idea gender is fluid and socially constructed (i.e., immutable, binary biological sex does not exist) is now America's culturally accepted norm. It's a done deal.
Most intellectuals/academics, elite opinion influencers, corporate, and government leaders embrace the new view without question.
Anyone who raises doubts, let alone rejects the new gender ideology, will or can be socially ostracized, cyber bullied, or "cancelled" in the form of a lost job, professional standing, or ruined career.
Present-Day False Prophets Undermine Church and Culture
This is a growing existential threat, for Judeo-Christian values no longer provide a "sacred canopy" over American culture. These historic, foundational values are no longer ascendant or respected or even referenced by a vast cross-section of society.
So false prophets now practice their craft with seemingly little resistance.
City Hope GR is ‘church for people of all abilities.’ First service is Oct. 10
This new church plant is getting the word out that it will be a congregation for people of all abilities — meaning those with and without disabilities.
Its inaugural service is Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. It will share space with Monroe Community Church at its new location at 1020 Monroe Ave. NW in Grand Rapids.
"The plan is to keep it at 5 p.m.," says Vander Woude. "We looked at different days and times and that's the best time. We'll look at it again in four to six months and if we need to adjust the day and time, we will."
A Look Behind the Leader
Little known fact: in addition to her flawless English, Dr. Julia Brown speaks fluent Portuguese. But the bilingual Brown transcends spoken language as she brings faith-filled music to her roles as organist and director of music at Mayflower Congregational Church in Grand Rapids.
Born to American-citizen parents in Brazil, Brown developed her love for music from her church choir-director mother and through her own musical studies. She especially loved the grand tones of a pipe organ – something her own church didn't have.
"When I first heard a pipe organ with that wonderful sound I said, 'I've got to learn that instrument,'" she recalled.
Born to American-citizen parents in Brazil, Brown developed her love for music from her church choir-director mother and through her own musical studies. She especially loved the grand tones of a pipe organ – something her own church didn't have.
"When I first heard a pipe organ with that wonderful sound I said, 'I've got to learn that instrument,'" she recalled.
Ken Reynolds’ Life and Legacy Celebrated
He was home-grown in so many ways. Coming of age here in West Michigan, Ken graduated from Wyoming Park High School and Western Michigan University. He spent seven years leading worship/music at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, followed by many more years serving at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville.
Hackett Catholic Prep Names New Principal
The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo and Hackett Catholic Prep have appointed Paul Dull as the high school's next principal, for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Dull joins the Hackett Catholic Prep family with three decades of experience leading schools and serving communities. He holds degrees in Biology, Philosophy and Educational Administration.
Dull joins the Hackett Catholic Prep family with three decades of experience leading schools and serving communities. He holds degrees in Biology, Philosophy and Educational Administration.
GR Church Switches to Green Energy
In July, Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids installed 126 solar panels on its roof as it switched to renewable energy.
The project is expected to keep 5.4 million pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere - the equivalent of 7.4 American homes being taken off the grid or the carbon sequestered by 3,000 acres of forest in a year, explained Nate Dierlam, a church member who spearheaded the project.
The project is expected to keep 5.4 million pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere - the equivalent of 7.4 American homes being taken off the grid or the carbon sequestered by 3,000 acres of forest in a year, explained Nate Dierlam, a church member who spearheaded the project.
75 Mile Walk to Support Growing Hope Globally
Growing Hope Globally (GHG) co-founders Bev Abma and Ron DeWeerd will walk 75 miles throughout West Michigan to raise support for GHG, an organization they both founded in 1999. The walk will begin with a send-off at First Reformed Church in Fremont on Aug. 11 and will culminate with Dairy Day at Nutrient Ag Solutions in Wayland on Aug. 21. The public is invited to join the walkers or participate in one of the events being planned along the way.
Van Harten selected as U.S. Congregational Ministries director
Lis Van Harten was recently named permanent director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America's U.S. Congregational Ministries. The positions oversees the denomination's ministries including Chaplaincy and Care Ministry, Disability Concerns, Diversity, Faith Formation Ministries, the Office of Social Justice, Pastor Church Resources, Race Relations, Safe Church Ministry and Worship Ministries.
Mel Trotter Ministries raises starting wage
Mel Trotter Ministries, a multifaceted outreach to the homeless based in the Heartside district of Grand Rapids, has increased its new employee's starting wage.
Hope College: funding addresses social needs in Holland
As part of the "There's No Place like Home" initiative, an $800,000 grant has been awarded from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Established in February 2020 and administered by Holland-based Hope College, three new community-based partnerships will allow the college's faculty and students in the arts and humanities to work collaboratively with local organizations to provide service and learning opportunities for those at Hope.
Terry’s Picks for August 2021
This is the column in which West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-inspired arts/entertainment/enrichment events in the coming month. Here are a few possibilities for August...
Christian Concerts Gearing Up For Fall Season
It may seem premature to offer a fall calendar list of Christian concerts in West Michigan. But there's one that represents a "breakthrough." making it especially noteworthy.
For the first time in 13 years, the Allegan County Fair will host a Christian concert on its main stage during its September fair schedule.
In a June letter to area churches, fair executive director Saree Miller officially announced a concert line-up of Casting Crowns, David Crowder and Phil Wickham for Thurs. Sept. 16.
Perhaps it's simply part of the post-pandemic surge in live music events. But nevertheless it is significant addition for the area's largest county fair, which dates back to the 1800s.
For the first time in 13 years, the Allegan County Fair will host a Christian concert on its main stage during its September fair schedule.
In a June letter to area churches, fair executive director Saree Miller officially announced a concert line-up of Casting Crowns, David Crowder and Phil Wickham for Thurs. Sept. 16.
Perhaps it's simply part of the post-pandemic surge in live music events. But nevertheless it is significant addition for the area's largest county fair, which dates back to the 1800s.
Transgenderism’s Cultural Juggernaut
It's about identity, who we are.
It's not about lust or licentiousness. It's about declaring human beings can create "their truth." It's about idolatry.
If male and female are simply arbitrary categories, then anything goes. Morality, modesty, masculine and feminine don't really exist. We're all just some hybrid social construct.
Gender Fluidity and Divine Design
It's the latest craze that's morphed beyond political correctness to indisputable orthodoxy. Dissent is not permitted. If you ask questions, based upon common sense, biology, a few thousand years of human history, or even religious conviction, you're a bigot, a hater.
Proponents (especially activists) of gender fluidity believe biology is not destiny. In their view, biological sex is mutable, something "assigned" at birth. One's "real sex" is determined by one's feelings about gender, conveniently presented as an ever-lengthening spectrum of choices (some social media are offering 112 gender choices).
For proponents or activists, (most people struggling with gender dysphoria are not activists¹) there is a clear set or steps a person should pursue once they self-identify with a gender that does not align with their biological sex.
Wedgwood Fundraiser Exceeds Goal
Thanks to sponsors and golfers, Wedgwood Christian Service's 36th Annual Charity Golf Classic raised over $190,000, exceeding the event's fundraising goal by over $10,000. The money will go toward the organization's 100% donor-funded Transforming Services. Even with an afternoon rain shower, the event was near capacity with 348 golfers on both the Valley and Ridge courses.
"We are moved by the generosity of our sponsors and participants," said Vivian TerMaat, Wedgwood's chief advancement officer. "Coming out of 2020 we were unsure to what level people, businesses, and organizations would be willing and able to be a part of the Charity Golf Classic, but it is clear that our community values this event and cares deeply about individuals and families who are navigating mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges."
"We are moved by the generosity of our sponsors and participants," said Vivian TerMaat, Wedgwood's chief advancement officer. "Coming out of 2020 we were unsure to what level people, businesses, and organizations would be willing and able to be a part of the Charity Golf Classic, but it is clear that our community values this event and cares deeply about individuals and families who are navigating mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges."
President of Calvin Resigns
The president of Calvin University announced he will resign following 10 year's at the Christian Reformed Church educational institution. Michael Le Roy said it was a hard decision for he and wife Andrea to make, but "fleeting moments" with a family of young adults and aging parents who need more care makes it the right time to return to the Northwest to be closer to family.
The 2021-22 academic year will be Le Roy's last at Calvin. "I intend to fulfill my duties with integrity and to give my full attention to the advancement of the institution's mission and Vision 2030 in the time that remains," said Le Roy. "I want the community to know that the board has been very supportive of Andrea and me throughout our time at Calvin, and I have full faith and trust that the board will manage this transition well. I have been blessed to work with an excellent team of leaders during my time at Calvin, and I believe that they will be committed to a seamless transition to new leadership.
The 2021-22 academic year will be Le Roy's last at Calvin. "I intend to fulfill my duties with integrity and to give my full attention to the advancement of the institution's mission and Vision 2030 in the time that remains," said Le Roy. "I want the community to know that the board has been very supportive of Andrea and me throughout our time at Calvin, and I have full faith and trust that the board will manage this transition well. I have been blessed to work with an excellent team of leaders during my time at Calvin, and I believe that they will be committed to a seamless transition to new leadership.
Moreno-Riaño Selected as Cornerstone University’s President
The Cornerstone University board of trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño as its 12th university president. Moreno-Riaño succeeds Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who retired this month after 13 years.
Moreno-Riaño joins Cornerstone after serving for over seven years as executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. There, he was also a tenured professor of government.
The selection of Moreno-Riaño comes after a six-month, nationwide quest coordinated by executive search firm Carter Baldwin. The exploration produced 70 viable candidates, which, after extensive interviews, was narrowed to three names, of which the board unanimously chose Moreno-Riaño.
Moreno-Riaño joins Cornerstone after serving for over seven years as executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. There, he was also a tenured professor of government.
The selection of Moreno-Riaño comes after a six-month, nationwide quest coordinated by executive search firm Carter Baldwin. The exploration produced 70 viable candidates, which, after extensive interviews, was narrowed to three names, of which the board unanimously chose Moreno-Riaño.
Safe Haven Taps Rachel VerWys as Executive Director
Rachel j VerWys has joined Safe Haven Ministries as its executive director. She possesses an array of nonprofit leadership experiences over the past 20 years. She most recently served as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of SEE Human Trafficking Coalition and chairs the Kent County Area Human Trafficking Coalition. VerWys was named one of the Top 50 Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2020 and received a Diversity Award from Wedgwood Christian Services in May 2021. As a student at Calvin College, she volunteered at Ramoth House, which later evolved into Safe Haven Ministries, bringing her career full circle.
Safe Haven offers comprehensive domestic violence services throughout Kent County, Michigan. Our 24/7 hotline number is 616-452-6664. We offer emergency safe shelter, nonresidential programming, and education & prevention for the entire community.
Safe Haven offers comprehensive domestic violence services throughout Kent County, Michigan. Our 24/7 hotline number is 616-452-6664. We offer emergency safe shelter, nonresidential programming, and education & prevention for the entire community.
Wedgwood Recipient of Youth Advisory Council Grants
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, Ionia County Youth Advisory Council, and Wyoming Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council have each selected Wedgwood Christian Services as a recipient of their annual grants.
Each area Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is made up of local teens who review all grant applications and select recipients based on the organization or project's impact on youth in their community.
The grants from each YAC will support the Children's Hope Annual Fund which makes it possible for Wedgwood to provide 100% donor-funded Transforming Services, including: Recreation & Wellness, Prevention, Manasseh Project Outreach, Employment Training, and Chaplaincy & Young Life.
Each area Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is made up of local teens who review all grant applications and select recipients based on the organization or project's impact on youth in their community.
The grants from each YAC will support the Children's Hope Annual Fund which makes it possible for Wedgwood to provide 100% donor-funded Transforming Services, including: Recreation & Wellness, Prevention, Manasseh Project Outreach, Employment Training, and Chaplaincy & Young Life.
Holland Home Executive Receives Home and Hospice Care Award
Holland Home Executive Vice President for Home and Community Based Services Carolyn Flietstra was inducted into the Michigan Homecare and Hospice Association Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was inaugurated to honor those individuals who have excelled in the home care and hospice profession, those who bring honor and recognition to the MHHA and those who inspire and mentor individuals and students to consider or continue their careers in home care and hospice.
This recognition comes as Flietstra has announced her retirement this year, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership in the home health care profession.
This recognition comes as Flietstra has announced her retirement this year, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership in the home health care profession.
Big Tickets Returns
GAYLORD - After taking a COVID year off – as did nearly every major live music event – the Big Ticket Festival (BTF) is back in 2021 with a two-day array of music in a new July weekend slot.
"We hedged our bets a bit on when everything would be clear," said the Christian festival's president Drew Spanding of plans made months ago when pandemic restrictions were still in force.
"The July 9-11 weekend lined up with when the (Otsego County) fairgrounds were available."
With a shorter than usual timeline to produce and promote the festival, BTF nevertheless has come up with a fine artist roster. Front and center is singer-songwriter Zach Williams. The award-winning artist and his pack of forceful songs were the most listened to catalog on Christian radio last year.
"We hedged our bets a bit on when everything would be clear," said the Christian festival's president Drew Spanding of plans made months ago when pandemic restrictions were still in force.
"The July 9-11 weekend lined up with when the (Otsego County) fairgrounds were available."
With a shorter than usual timeline to produce and promote the festival, BTF nevertheless has come up with a fine artist roster. Front and center is singer-songwriter Zach Williams. The award-winning artist and his pack of forceful songs were the most listened to catalog on Christian radio last year.
Terry’s Picks July 2021
This is the column in which West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-inspired arts/entertainment/enrichment events in the coming month. Here are a few possibilities for July:
Summer Music Series: Making Room for One More
The move of the Worship on the Waterfront (WOW) Sunday music series from Grand Haven to Holland gave the impetus for another series to spring up in Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium.
The new "Praise by the Pier" debuted June 13 at the downtown location along the channel. More on that in a bit.
Meanwhile, the Grand Haven waterfront space came open when the WOW weekly concerts featuring national Christian music artists found themselves dealing with tighter restrictions in accommodating its growing spectator numbers.
"It was a succession of reasons," said WOW coordinator Kathleen Bobeldyk of its decision to change venues. "From working with city officials, we saw the look of this year's concert area would have been totally different."
Church Concert Series, Outdoor Facilities, a “Gift” to Community
And its new summer concert series is only a part of it.
"We have this large property here and we wanted to complete it with features for the community," said series coordinator Vicki Ekdom.
A concert-style amphitheatre (built behind the church's main building and the site of its current "Music in the Backyard" concert series) is only one of the outdoor features on the church's 160-acre campus.
A capital campaign nearly two years ago raised funds for the church to finish landscaping and other work on the church grounds. The result is completion of a mini-sports/recreation complex: basketball and pickleball courts, an outdoor discovery play place and play structure, Frisbee golf, fire pit, and mountain bike and other nature trails.
"It's a beautiful piece of property with all stuff that the community can just come and enjoy," Ekdom said. The concert series is a natural invitation for residents to come and see the new amenities.
Christian Organization Statements— Doctrinal, Lifestyle, Position—Then and Now
In my other earlier life as a Christian educator, I remember Christian organizations or ministries including churches, colleges, camps, missions, para-church organizations, etc. nearly always possessing and periodically citing key, foundational statements.
Doctrine, Lifestyle, Position
These foundational statements are carefully written expressions of:
• theological understanding = doctrinal or faith statements,
• employee behavioral conduct = lifestyle statements,
• ethical perspectives on contemporary issue = position statements.
Christian organizations, especially denominations, sometimes also issued:
• declarations for statements about current issues,
• policy or social statements regarding broad issues,
• resolutions or social messages addressing specific issues, or
• proclamations for significant announcements.
Doctrine, Lifestyle, Position
These foundational statements are carefully written expressions of:
• theological understanding = doctrinal or faith statements,
• employee behavioral conduct = lifestyle statements,
• ethical perspectives on contemporary issue = position statements.
Christian organizations, especially denominations, sometimes also issued:
• declarations for statements about current issues,
• policy or social statements regarding broad issues,
• resolutions or social messages addressing specific issues, or
• proclamations for significant announcements.
Myth Buster: PRC’s Day in Lansing Brings Truth to the Fore
The CEO of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Rapids met with state lawmakers in mid-May for the Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities event.
Coordinated by the Michigan Catholic Conference and Michigan Family Forum, adoption agencies, maternity homes and pregnancy care centers — more than 30 organizations from across Michigan — showcased the essential services they provide to pregnant women, new moms and adoptive families in their communities.
Sprague and PRC of Grand Rapids' and medical services director Karley Wood took the opportunity to inform legislators and the public about the good work the PRC has been doing since it was founded in 1985.
Sprague addressed the House of Representative's Health Policy Committee about the benefits that all pregnancy resource centers in Michigan bring to residents of the state. Many representatives are prolife, but others are skeptical of PRCs.
Terry’s Picks June 2021
This is the column in which West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-inspired arts/entertainment/enrichment events in the month of June. Here are just a few of them.
A Look Behind the Leader: Jared Heddens
"There's also the shepherding of people ," said Jared Heddens, worship director at South Harbor Church in Byron Center.
"My real job is to equip the saints. And that's not just a congregational perspective but for my team as well," said Heddens, 42.
His South Harbor worship team roster consists of about 50 players, vocalists and technical folk, although there are usually only five to seven people on the worship platform at any one time. Heddens is in the front on a typical Sunday, but that's actually a fairly small part of his full-time job. "It's about resourcing and equipping teams to do the work of ministry," he said in a recent interview.
And in that process he is developing leaders.
Hampton Receives H.O.P.E. Award Posthumously
Dr. Jennifer Hampton, age 48, of the Hope College physics faculty, who was killed in an automobile accident in Holland on March 14, has received this year's Hope Outstanding Professor Educator (H.O.P.E.) Award from the graduating Class of 2021.
The H.O.P.E. award, first given in 1965, is presented by the graduating class to the professor who they feel epitomizes the best qualities of the Hope College educator. This year is the first time that the honoree has been chosen posthumously.
The H.O.P.E. award, first given in 1965, is presented by the graduating class to the professor who they feel epitomizes the best qualities of the Hope College educator. This year is the first time that the honoree has been chosen posthumously.
Mel Trotter Launches Renovation Campaign
Mel Trotter Ministries announced Immeasurably More, a $14.9 million fundraising campaign to fund the construction of a renovated shelter. It has been 54 years since any kind of significant renovation has occurred
Launched in 2019, the Immeasurably More campaign has raised more than $9.8 million over the last year, 66% of the campaign goal. Over 240 community donors, local businesses, and area foundations have supported the campaign.
Launched in 2019, the Immeasurably More campaign has raised more than $9.8 million over the last year, 66% of the campaign goal. Over 240 community donors, local businesses, and area foundations have supported the campaign.
Hope College Named on of WM’s Best and Brightest
For the 16th consecutive year, Hope College in Holland has been named one of West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. The National Association for Business Resources selected the winners for having the most innovative and thoughtful approaches to human resources. They represent industries as diverse as the automotive, construction, financial, healthcare, manufacturing and non-profit sectors.
An independent research firm evaluates each company's entry, based on various categories, including compensation, benefits and employee solutions; employee enrichment, engagement and retention; employee education and development; recruitment, selection and orientation; employee achievement and recognition; communication and shared vision; diversity and inclusion; work-life balance; community initiatives and strategic company performance.
An independent research firm evaluates each company's entry, based on various categories, including compensation, benefits and employee solutions; employee enrichment, engagement and retention; employee education and development; recruitment, selection and orientation; employee achievement and recognition; communication and shared vision; diversity and inclusion; work-life balance; community initiatives and strategic company performance.
Degage Ministries’ Female Patrons Receives Free Clothing
Seventy-five female patrons from Heartside organization Dégagé Ministries recently received free clothing and accessories thanks to donations from the nation's largest social selling apparel company.
Dégagé's Open Door Women's Center, 144 Division Avenue South in downtown Grand Rapids, had women's clothing company cabi provide up to five articles of free clothing or accessories to 75 women. The endeavor is funded by the Heart of cabi Foundation and is part of Heart of cabi Foundation Week, where cabi stylists from around the world host donation events to support women in need in their communities.
Dégagé's Open Door Women's Center, 144 Division Avenue South in downtown Grand Rapids, had women's clothing company cabi provide up to five articles of free clothing or accessories to 75 women. The endeavor is funded by the Heart of cabi Foundation and is part of Heart of cabi Foundation Week, where cabi stylists from around the world host donation events to support women in need in their communities.
Love N Grace Healing Centers Receives Grant
Muskegon-based Love N Grace Healing Centers, a nonprofit for adults and children that teaches them how to overcome life's hurts with scripture, prayer and Jesus Christ, has received a $4,675 grant from Community Foundation for Muskegon County to support its Empowered Kids – Go Pro and Grow program.
Rev. Debra Yonkers, executive director of Love N Grace Healing Centers, said the funds would be used to build resilience in students suffering from adverse childhood experiences and the extra trauma brought on from the COVID-19 pandemic. While meeting in schools was limited, the grant will allow students to receive tools and care virtually. More information is available at https://lovengrace.org.
"Now we can reach the students that desperately need care from any school whether they're at school or at home," Yonkers said.
Rev. Debra Yonkers, executive director of Love N Grace Healing Centers, said the funds would be used to build resilience in students suffering from adverse childhood experiences and the extra trauma brought on from the COVID-19 pandemic. While meeting in schools was limited, the grant will allow students to receive tools and care virtually. More information is available at https://lovengrace.org.
"Now we can reach the students that desperately need care from any school whether they're at school or at home," Yonkers said.
MercyMe Returning to Grand Rapids
As the pandemic gradually loosens its grip on scheduling of large-gathering events, major concert tours are slowly returning to venues around West Michigan, including Christian music artists.
The inspirational pop-band MercyMe is joining the chorus with its 30-city fall tour that stops in Grand Rapids on November 5 (details below).
The award-winning band comes with a new album – "inhale (exhale)" – and its hit song "Say I Won't."
The inspirational pop-band MercyMe is joining the chorus with its 30-city fall tour that stops in Grand Rapids on November 5 (details below).
The award-winning band comes with a new album – "inhale (exhale)" – and its hit song "Say I Won't."
Women of Influence: Rev. Dr. Denise Kingdom Grier
Job Title: Lead Pastor, Pastor of Embracing at Maple Avenue Ministries in Holland
Calling: To be a prophetic voice and a missionary to the Church
Denise Grier has many titles. She's called lead pastor, prophet, mission liaison, mom, foster mom, board member, Mama D, and Big Mama. She happily embraces each one, stepping into her many roles that allow her to reach into the church, community, and individual lives.
"My prophetic role in the Holland community has been key to bringing in like-minded partners around the church," said Grier. "And I get to pastor the greatest people in the world. I'm so grateful God trusts me and gives me innovation and inspiration in my roles."
Grier spent her first five years in foster care, a time she remembers as abusive and traumatic on many levels, before being adopted at age seven with her brother. She grew up in New York City, but moved to North Carolina while in high school. There she "connected to a church and gravitated to the God who loves me," she said. She asked herself, "How are you going to live your life according to how God has designed you?'"
Calling: To be a prophetic voice and a missionary to the Church
Denise Grier has many titles. She's called lead pastor, prophet, mission liaison, mom, foster mom, board member, Mama D, and Big Mama. She happily embraces each one, stepping into her many roles that allow her to reach into the church, community, and individual lives.
"My prophetic role in the Holland community has been key to bringing in like-minded partners around the church," said Grier. "And I get to pastor the greatest people in the world. I'm so grateful God trusts me and gives me innovation and inspiration in my roles."
Grier spent her first five years in foster care, a time she remembers as abusive and traumatic on many levels, before being adopted at age seven with her brother. She grew up in New York City, but moved to North Carolina while in high school. There she "connected to a church and gravitated to the God who loves me," she said. She asked herself, "How are you going to live your life according to how God has designed you?'"
Co-founder Affirms Benjamin’s Hope is Fulfillment of God’s Plan for Autistic Adults
Hope is sown throughout the 40-acre Benjamin's Hope, a Christian nonprofit in Holland where 30 autistic adults call home.
Planted are a thriving church, a farmstead and an inspired model for those who live there: Live. Learn. Play. Worship.
"The farm is the fulfillment of what God put in my heart so many years earlier," said Krista Mason, executive director of the nonprofit who co-founded Benjamin's Hope with her husband, Dave. Mason spoke during a recent Zoom talk hosted by AMDG Architect.
Mason recounted how she went through an emotional and spiritual metamorphosis when she learned her son was autistic in 1997
Upcoming Plant 616 Conference Aims to Raise Temperature on Urban Church Planting in Greater Grand Rapids
Hall is among a handful of other local ministers who have locked arms to help birth a movement of planting new churches among the poor in urban Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood and beyond. That's a key reason why they're hosting their inaugural ecumenical Plant 616 conference slated for May 26. (See end of story for details.) The seminar is for church leaders who believe God is nudging them to establish new church plants.
West Michigan Singer Leaves Musical Legacy
They are recalling his clear bass voice that was as deep as he was tall.
Dete Tilma of Byron Center sang tenor with The Heralders for 14 years. He had a long relationship with Sterk both as a colleague and a friend.
"Bill always made us relaxed on stage," recalled Tilma, 68. "When I would play an intro to a song and he wasn't quite ready to come in, he would say 'O Dete, that's so pretty....why don't you play that again?'"
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- Creative Couple Making Entertainment, Ministry Connections
- “A Place to Belong” Returns
- Terry’s Picks for April 2021
- Coats That Transform into Sleeping Bags Handed Out
- Jenison Pastor to Serve as Director of Candidacy
- Seminary President: Veer From ‘Either Or’ Thinking
- Hand2Hand Purchases Former Grocery Store
- Area Ministers Receive ‘Shot of Love.’ Vaccine Will be Offered to all Michiganders Age 16 and Up Starting April 5
- Dramatic Turns on the Easter Message
- Sus Manos Gleaners CEO: ‘We Want People to Know the Food is Not Coming From Americans’
- Exploring the “Heart’s Wasteland”
- Women of Influence: Beth Fisher
- Creative Gifts Refreshed at “The Well”