eBeacon
Rockford Reformed Church Weekly News
SUNDAY, MARCH 31
Betrayal & Love
Matthew 26:47-50 / Rev. Tim Meendering / 10:00 a.m.
Pre-Service Prayer @ 9:35 (Pastor Tim's Office)
No KidLife or Sunday School

This Sunday there will not be KidLife Worship or Sunday School (all ages). Please enjoy the service together as a family. Children's bulletins are available on the bulletin stand along with clipboards and crayons. The nursery will still be available! If you have a child kindergarten and younger who would rather not sit through the service they are welcome to come to nursery for a story and activity. The Cry Room (Room 211) is also always open for use.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Yard Help
Did the harsh winter leave your yard full of fallen branches and brush? Darryl and Dylan DeGood have offered free help cleaning it up! All you have to do is call Darryl at 616-340-3369.
Saturday, April 6, 8am-noon. Lunch provided! Please bring wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, etc. for dirt, mulch, and gravel. We will need some help cutting down a few trees from the ice storm. Free wood for helping! Come when you can, leave when you must. Let Roger Hoogewind know if you plan on coming (so we can have enough food) (text 401-8631).
Friday, April 12, 5:00-8:30pm. We are changing things up this year and holding the conference in the evening. In addition to our main speaker, Pamela Stonehouse, there will be a variety of breakout sessions and a delicious dinner, all enjoyed in fellowship with other women from our church and community. Register today! more info
Saturday, April 20, 9:30am. Join us for a morning of family fun! Egg hunt on the front lawn for ages infant - 5th grade. Followed by a family pancake breakfast in the gym. more info
Click here to view the schedule.
We are currently collecting the following items that can be placed in the missions donation bin in the lobby: cereal, oatmeal, crackers, juice boxes. See the Missions & Outreach section at the end of this email for more urgent needs.
STAFF NOTES
Brian Ellis - Youth Ministry

Hello everyone,

Over the past couple months the youth ministry has had a lot going on. In January and February, our middle school and high school students went on our winter retreats. This year we did our own smaller retreats and they became a great time for our students to connect with each other while diving deeper into their faith. More recently, we have had a couple of fundraisers for students. The high school dinner raised $1,800 and the garage sale raised over $2,800! Thank you for all of your support.

Coming up, students have our summer mission trips. In June the high school group will go to Kentucky to do home repair. In July middle school students will travel to Lorain, Ohio to serve that community.

If you have any questions about the youth group please let me know.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Hello church family! We are in need of a couple helpers in KidLife on Sunday mornings. We are looking to fill the following positions (both are following the service during the Sunday School hour):

  • Preschool Sunday school leader 
  • 1-3 grade Sunday school leader to help alternate days with the current leader 

We have been praying for you and can't wait for you to join our team! Please contact Beth Jennings.
ADULTS - PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY
Karen Bazen, Adult Min. Leader; Kevin Johnson , Men's Min. Leader
Tuesdays, 7-8am, Fellowship Hall. Join us as we gather for coffee, breakfast, a devotional, and prayer.
Tuesdays, 9:30-11am, Room 212. Spiritual Warfare - Led by Carol Knox.
Wednesday evening classes will resume in the fall.
Every other Friday, 7-8am, Arnie's Restaurant. REAL - Relationship through Encouragement, Authenticity, and Love. REAL Men is a group that believes God is actively working in our lives, and that we all have a story that He wants us to tell. It is not a Bible study or an accountability group, and it is not exclusive to RRC, so invite others! Each meeting will feature a speaker. Note: Meet at Arnie's Restaurant, 34 S Squires St, downtown Rockford. The restaurant isn't open at that time, so we have the place to ourselves. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. N ext me eting: April 12.
A Life Group is a small group of 8-12 people that focuses on three priorities – sharing, study, and support. Life Group members will commit to meet together at least every other week through the school season—and even better, through the summer. We call these “Life Groups” because they are focused on (1) helping us grow in our life in Christ and (2) sharing life together. If you are interested in joining a life group or starting one up, please contact our Life Group Coordinator, Pam Jacobs.
ADULTS - JUST FOR FUN
Last Thursday of every month, 7-8:30pm, Fireside Room. This is not a Bible study or religious book study - books from a wide variety of genres are picked.  Next meeting: April 25 - The Forgotten by David Baldacci
First Wednesday of every month, Fellowship Hall. Next meeting: April 3 - BBQ Luncheon provided, followed with a program by Steve Steenwyk. Begins at noon.
Adult Single Women's Lunch
Last Saturday of every month, 1pm. Next meeting: April 27 - location TBA. RSVP with Carol Knox (866-4845).
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Parents - please fill out our online Informed Consent Form for the 2018-19 school year!
Sundays, 6:30-8pm, Youth Room. Students in grades 9-12 spend time in worship, hear about God's word, and spend time in small groups. Special events throughout the year.
Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Youth Room. Students in grades 6-8 spend time in worship, hear about God's word, and spend time in small groups. Special events throughout the year.
High School: June 16-22 - Kentucky - $275
Middle School: July 21-27 - Ohio - $275
Promo codes available here.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Parents - please fill out our online Informed Consent Form for the 2018-19 school year!
KidLife Club will resume in the fall. Kids in grades 1-5 still have their Derby Car Race the week after spring break:
Derby Car Race is April 10 for children 1st - 5th grade! Doors open at 6, race starts at 6:30. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available at the kitchen window.
Promo codes available here.
We are currently collecting the following items. They can be placed in the giant wooden crate in the lobby.

North Kent Connect has put out an urgent plea to help them replenish their pantry. Their current supply is nearly depleted. Their biggest needs right now:

  • low-sugar cereal & oatmeal
  • canned tomato sauce & penne pasta
  • canned spinach, beets, & pears
  • monetary donations to help them purchase food in bulk
 
Throughout the year, we collect donation items for various community ministries such as North Kent Connect and Alpha Family Center of Cedar Springs. Signs in the lobby will tell you what items we are currently looking for.
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