Arts in the Park
It was relatively cool by the river where kids designed their own fish display, drew scenes by the river, and dyed silk scarves. These activities were tied into Bible stories of fishers of men, Noah, and Lydia, the dyer. The congregation enjoyed displays of the art work. What talent we have!
more pictures of Art Camp...
Youth Group at the Homeless Center
The youth came out in force to serve the community. Literally. They not only served lunch to at the homeless center, but helped clean up. They look great in hair nets!
more pictures at the Homeless Center...
Graduating Seniors
We honored our graduating seniors with prayer and spiritual support. And, of course, cake! We are proud of the seniors. Congratulations!
Bell Petting Zoo
An open house for the bells and chimes generated a lot of interest among the kids. The mallets, in particular, were quite popular. Talk to Jason if you'd like to see a young kids' bell choir.
more pictures of kids and bells...
Concert Series Finale
Two organists and three choirs provided a varied program consisting of music ranging over 500 years. Composers from Palestrina to Sting were well-represented. Guest organist Crystal Clear and our own Jason Branham put the organ through its paces in pieces by Bach and Reger. The Select Choir from Southwestern Michigan Universityunder the direction of David Carew, treated us to a choral work by Schubert and a variety of eclectic a capella songs. The sancutary was filled with sound when over 100 voices joined together in a combined choir of the Southwestern Mich. Univ. choir and our own Sanctuary Choir.The rafters shook when everyone, including the audience, sang the Ode to Joy as the Finale of the Finale. What a terrific concert!
Jason Branham, guest conductor David Carew, and guest organist Katherine Monroe.
Chili Supper
The Deacons hosted another Chili Supper to raise funds for their local mission work. It was a great turn out and we sold ALL the chili with meat and there was little vegetarian chili left over. Thank you, everyone, for your support!
Jason's Doctoral Candidacy Recital
Jason succesfully fulfilled another requirement on the road to his doctorate degree in organ performance. This was the first of three full length recitals. Music ranged from Bach to Ives to Reger. It was a varied program and expertly performed!
We Meet our Pastor Elect, Fran Lane-Lawrence
We had an action-filled "candidating weekend" in which we all had a chance to meet Pastor Fran Lane-Lawrence. After dinners, breakfasts, rollerskating, reception in the manse, and a wonderful worship service, we were mutually delighted.
more pictures of rollerskating and Pastor Fran's candidating weekend...
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The Sidewalk Project
Worried about tripping on that bulge in the sidewalk? Not happy about the stump in the middle of the courtyard? No longer issues! Thanks to our hard working volunteers, the sidewalk by the south sanctuary doors is safer, looks better, and is far more practical for hanging out. We are grateful for the hard work of our guys!
more pictures of the sidewalk project...
Breakfast with the Pastor
This summer, kids of all ages are coming to church to have breakfast with the pastor. After breakfast, they play games with a theme, as in the style of Vacation Bible School, and actively participate in learning God's message. Everyone is welcome; just show up at 9:00 Sunday morning.
more pictures of Breakfast with the Pastor...
Pentecost Picnic on the Lawn
An uplifting worship service, complete with balloons in the sanctuary, celebrated Pentecost. The weather was hot and sunny for picnic on the lawn. While most of the adults enjoyed air-conditioned comfort inside, the kids gamely played Heather's version of Minute-to-Win-It. Who knew all the important skill sets that would be necessary for the winning team?!
more picnic pictures...
Pastor Fran's Introduction at Presbytery
Over 15 people accompanied Pastor Fran to the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing, Michigan to Fran's introduction and welcome by the Presbytery of Lake Michigan. We were proud to show such great support for our new pastor!
In the Deepest Night
Guest conductor Alex Sutton directed this Lenten meditation based on the writings of Julian of Norwich (1342 – c. 1416). Julian of Norwich was one of the greatest English mystics, known also for her records and interpretations of her visions of Jesus Christ. Aaron David Miller has composed music to set her writings that is beautifully haunting and yet uplifting. A fabulous performance by the Sanctuary Choir. Special thanks go to Alex Sutton, conductor, and Jaesung Lee and So Hyun Yoon, guest violinists.
more photos of Light in Deepest Night...
Review of the music...
Chris Branham
Chris Branham agreed to sing a solo, with his brother, Jason Branham accompanying. It was a lovely solo, and as usual, fit perfectly with the text of the sermon.
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