Have you had a chance to do your prayer walk yetthat we announced back in January?  Grab a guide, look for the posters with the names for God and pray your praises at each one. 

—The Prayer Team

Pray for Sierra Greenwood as she undergoes tests on her heart to see if she needs surgery.

Please include the following in your personal and family prayers:

Karen Piersma      Mike Sanders

Ron Stuursma       Julia Westendorp

Diane Zandstra    

Our servicemen: Nate Post, Brian Smit and Chris Smit

Today:This morning we will listen to God speak through Jeremiah 29 & his promise that he has a plan to free us.  In the evening we will listen to God speak through Philippians 4 on the promise of shalom.

Next Week:In the morning Pastor Andy Hanson of Celebration Fellowship Church in Belamy Creek Prison will preach.  In the evening we will have a joint service with Covenant CRC at our church.

Today is the last day of Children’s Worship for the season.

Dear Providence Family,

   In previous years, the summer months have brought a reduced and irregular giving pattern by our members.  Last year, we were blessed with consistent giving through the summer, and we thank you for your faithfulness.  Through your financial stewardship, we were able to meet our financial obligations during the summer and entered our fall season in better financial condition than in past years.

   We encourage each of you to continue to present your tithes and gifts prior to going on vacation or spending time away from your Providence home.

   ~The Deacons

Prison Ministry Potential: Next week after the morning service we will have the opportunity to hear about what God is doing on behalf of those in the prisons in our area.  Please plan on staying to listen as Providence seeks God’s leading about our participation in ministering to the least of these our brothers.

“REVIVE”(AA meeting) at Providence: Do you struggle with abuse of alcohol or drugs or live with or know someone who does?  Every Monday at 7pm, Providence is hosting an open (anyone can come) AA meeting at our church.  Steve Huizinga leads the meeting.  Pray that God will use this ministry.

Last Call for Dinner!!!  This week we’ll be forming the adult groups for fun, fellowship and food.  Don’t miss out.  We’d love to have you join us so we can get to know each other better!  The sign-up sheet is by the kitchen, or just call Nadine.  We’d love to add you to the list anytime.

Women’s Book Club meets this week Thursday,May 24 at 7:30pm at Ruth Ringnalda’s house.

Ladies, reserve Tuesday mornings this summer for Beth Moore “Psalms of Ascent” study.  We will meet 8 consecutive weeks beginning June 12, at 9am.  Can’t make all or even many?  That’s all right – come when you can!  Sign up on the sign-up board anytime, and if you’d like, you may plan to view a promotional video June 3 after the service.  Childcare is available, at a suggested donation of $1/hour/child.

Mark Your Calendars Now!  The Annual All Church Picnic is going to be August 11 at the CRC Recreation Center.  Loads of fun for the whole family!  You won’t want to miss it!

Dear family of God,

   We are overwhelmed by your gracious love.  Thank you so much!  You have walked beside us and gave us all that we needed.  Thank you for the cards, gifts, and most of all prayers.  Thank you to the helpers for bringing Tom to appointments.  Thank you Pastor Bob and Pastor J.B. for your many prayers and visits.  Tom looked forward to them.  Also, for all the support you gave us.  Thank you friends for your visits and hugs—we truly needed them.  Thank you for all the help that was given at Tom’s funeral.  We are truly blessed to be in the family of God.  We love you, more than words can tell.  May God bless you richly.  Above all, our God has been so faithful in keeping us safe, in travel, in strength, to be able to go through Tom’s journey in love so abounding in faith, so much needed.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

   Sincerely, Betty De Young & children,        Keith and Kelly Franken & children

The contact person for the Health Ministries at Providence is Sharon Fredricks.  Please call her if you have any questions.

Our graduation party is this Wednesday, May 23.  Please let Kim know today if you are planning on being at that party and how many family members will be attending with you.  Thanks, Kim

New Fiction: Beyond The Farthest Star, by Bodie & Brock Thoene...a fractured family, a dangerous secret, a stunning transformation....

Into The Free,by Julie Cantrell, a New York Times Best Seller – “A beautiful and literary coming-of-age romance that is as close to perfect as I’ve seen in quite some time”, says USA TODAY.

Featuring some autobiographies and biographies that you will enjoy,displayed in the window.  Check Them Out!!!

CONTINUE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!

V.B.S. Prayer and Canvassing:

On Thursday night, May 31 at 6:30pm we will walk / drive through our neighbor-hoods in order to pray and / or canvas for V.B.S.  We especially need people willing to pray on this night during V.B.S.  What a great opportunity to embrace this gift in an intentional way!  Sign Up in the Fellowship Hall!!

Family Outreach:Remember every day is an opportunity for you and your family to reach out to your neighbors in love.  Make a connection and see what the Lord will do when you step out in faith.

V.B.S. Crew trainingis this Tuesday, May 22and Thursday May 24 at 6:30pm.  We would like all crew leaders and helpers to come to one of these training sessions.  There is no need to be at both as they will be identical sessions.  Please contact Kim for the information you will need for your part in our V.B.S. production if you are unable to come to either of these training dates.  Thank you, Kim!

Our countdown continues!  We are now 3 weeks away from our Sky V.B.S. (June 11 thru 14 from 6:30 to 8:45pm).  We are very close to having all of the volunteers we need for our program.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, to those of you who signed up to fill the crew leader positions and station leaders.  I feel immensely blessed by the outpouring of volunteers this past Sunday.  Please let Kim Venema know if you will be in need of childcare if you are a part of the V.B.S. team.  We will provide childcare in the nursery if there is a need for our helpers.  Also, we are hoping to find 3 more crew helpers.  If you would like to help out with this please contact Kim Venema.   ALSO, don’t forget to sign your kids up on line, the website address is: www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/provid encesky2012.  Please feel free to contact Kim Venema at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Thank you, Kim!

Summer Block Parties!  We are starting to discern which neighborhoods the Lord is leading us to Host Block Parties.  Please sign up if you would like to be part of a Block PartyTeam that helps throw a block party!  We need…prayer warriors, a grill cook, MC, set-up / clean-up and people to attend the event!!  Sign up in Fellowship Hall if Interested!!!

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

May 20 –26, 2012

  8:30 AM  Prayer Time

  9:30 AM  Morning Worship Service

  5:00 PM  Afternoon Worship Service

  6:00 PM  Elders and Deacons Meetings

  6:30 PM  Hook, Needles and Yarn

  7:00 PM  Council Meeting

  7:00 PM  “Revive”  (Open AA Meeting)

  5:00 PM  Spirit Moves Karate

  6:30 PM  V.B.S. Crew Training

  7:30 PM  “A” Softball Teamt5  Home

  7:30 PM  “C” Softball Teamt4  Home

  6:30 AM  Men’s Promise Keepers

  3:45 PM  Kids Hope Graduation Party

  7:00 PM  Facilities Meeting

  8:30 PM  “B” Softball Teamt6  Away

  6:30 PM  V.B.S. Crew Training

  7:30 PM  Women’s Book Club

  9:00 AM  Spirit Moves Karate

We give God thanks for the life of Tom De Young and the hope we have for him in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We pray for God’s comfort and peace for Betty, Keith and Kelly and their families in this time of grief.

Remember to pray for, call and visit our church family members who can’t be with us for worship:Tom Entingh, Hermina Jansens, Nell Schuurman, Marguerite Vander Heide, Grace Vander Ploeg and Dorothy Woltjer.

Please include the following in your personal and family prayers:

Karen Piersma      Mike Sanders

Ron Stuursma       Julia Westendorp

Diane Zandstra    

Our servicemen: Nate Post, Brian Smit and Chris Smit

Today:This morning we will celebrate God’s gift of Moms.  We will listen to God speak through John 15 on his promise to discipline us.  In the evening we will listen to God speak through 1 Corinthians 1 on the promise of comfort.

Next Week:In both services we will continue our series on God’s promises to claim in prayer.

Faith Promise Pledge Drive: Thank you to everyone who made a Prayer and / or Financial Pledge!!  It is not too late to turn in forms; please get them in A.S.A.P.

Ascension Day Service: Cutlerville East will host an Ascension Day service on Thursday, May 17, at 7pm.  Rev. Bill Renkema will preach.  Nursery will be provided.  Following the service, their young people will host an ice cream social.  Donations will be accepted for their July mission trip.

Attention parents of children age 3 – 1^st or 2^nd graders: We are organizing a summer video series for our children during the church service once Children’s Worship is completed on May 20^th.  The video series will begin June 3^rd and continue through August 19^th.  We need volunteers to supervise the students during the movie.  We are looking for any parents who are interested as well as older students who are responsible to help out during this time.  Please e-mail or call Laura Greenwood if you are willing and able to help.  Thanks!

“REVIVE”(AA meeting) at Providence: Do you struggle with abuse of alcohol or drugs or live with or know someone who does?  Every Monday at 7pm, Providence is hosting an open (anyone can come) AA meeting at our church.  Steve Huizinga leads the meeting.  Pray that God will use this ministry.

Attention All Graduates: We haven’t received information from many graduates yet.  If you are graduating this year (from 8^th grade, high school or college) please complete the form on the mission table AND send us a picture by this Tuesday, May 15.  Please contact Lori Smitter in the office if you have any questions.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner???

Be sure to sign up for our eat, meet and greet dinner clubs!  Adults of all ages welcome.  We’ll gather around a table of about 8 people to get to know each other better, eat good food, and have a great time!  Hope you join us! 

ProvidenceChristian Reformed Church is looking for a responsible individual to join our team to help maintain the appearance and cleanliness of our facility as custodian Joan Feyen is leaving our employment.  The hours may fluctuate between 10 to 20 hours per week and include some week day, evening and weekend hours.  Some flexibility is available.  Previous cleaning or equivalent experience is desired.  Please submit your resume to Jim Nammensma, Director of Facilities by May 16.

Advanced Notice:Hook, Needles and Yarn will be meeting next Monday,     May 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. 

Ladies, reserve Tuesday mornings this summer for Beth Moore “Psalms of Ascent” study. We will meet 8 consecutive weeks beginning June 12, at 9am.  Can’t make all or even many?  That’s all right – come when you can!  Sign up on the sign-up board anytime, and if you’d like, you may plan to view a promotional video June 3 after the service.  Childcare is available, at a suggested donation of $1/hour/child.

To preserve the quality of our new building,we are asking everyone to help maintain the appearance of our facility by monitoring the activities you are involved in, paying special attention when food and beverages are involved.  Thank you!             ~The Facilities Committee

Visitors and New Members:If you have any questions about Providence Church or would like to hear of areas where you might be able to get “plugged-in” or if you have any questions about joining our church and the process, please see or call Max Lambert.  Contact information is 698-6672 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Looking forward to talking with you.

My mother isn’t herself lately.  It’s difficult for her to remember simple things.  Should I be concerned?  Call the CAP Hotline at 455-6210 or 1-800-442-0809.

Mentors; please don’t forgetto turn in your Student improvement sheetstoday.

Our graduation party is fast approachingand we are looking forward to you and your family coming to this event.  Please call or speak with Kim today so that we can complete plans for this event.

Mentors and Bible Club: Did you give Sandy or Gerda your R.S.V.P. for the volunteer appreciation lunch?  If not please do so tomorrow.  Thanks, Kim!

DONATED—THANK YOU!!!!

Karen Kingsbury’s Book 4 in the Bailey Flanagan Series: Loving.

For Boys and Girls: A set of 13 DVD’s: The Story Keepers – The year is A.D. 64 in Rome, the church faces fierce persecution.  Driven into hiding, Christians gather wherever it’s safe.  At secret meetings they learn about Jesus of Nazareth—thanks to courageous leaders know as The Story Keepers!!

We will NOT be doing Craig’s Cruisers as the YBC Calendar states.

CONTINUE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!

Mark you calendars for V.B.S. training on Tuesday, May 22 and Thursday May 24 (note date change).  We would like all crew leaders and helpers to come to one of these training sessions.  There is no need to be at both as they will be identical sessions.  Please contact Kim for the information you will need for your part in our V.B.S. production if you are unable to come to either of these training dates.  Thank you, Kim!

Family Outreach:Remember every day is an opportunity for you and your family to reach out to your neighbors in love.  Make a connection and see what the Lord will do when you step out in faith.

Our countdown continues!  We are now 4 weeks away from our Sky V.B.S. (June 11 thru 14 from 6:30 to 8:45pm).  We need your help!  We still need 8 more crew leaders and additional helpers as well.  We are also looking for someone to take pictures for our Fly Away Finale on Thursday when all of the parents are there.  If this is your gift please contact Kim Venema.  Also, if you have a fan that can be put on its side (supported off the ground) so that it can blow towards the ceiling we could use 3 or 4 of these.  Square fans and dual window fans would work the best.  Please stop by with any questions you may have and to sign up for this outreach event.  We are not joining with another church this year and are in need of even more volunteers than the past few years.  If you choose to volunteer or sign your kids up on line, the website address is: www.groupvbspro. com/vbs/ez/providencesky2012.  Please feel free to contact Kim Venema at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Thank you, Kim!

Summer Block Parties!  Please join Outreach in prayer for God’s leading as we begin the planning of this summer’s Block Parties!  Maybe God is leading you to host a party in your neighborhood??  Maybe God is calling you to be on a Block Party Team that helps throw a block party!  Talk to Pastor JB if you feel a tug on your heart!

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

May 13 –19, 2012

  8:30 AM  Prayer Time

  9:30 AM  Morning Worship Service

  5:00 PM  Afternoon Worship Service

  7:00 PM  “Revive”  (Open AA Meeting)

  7:00 PM  Executive Committee Meeting

  5:00 PM  Spirit Moves Karate

  6:30 PM  “C” Softball Teamt4  Away

  7:30 PM  “A” Softball Teamt1  Away

  6:30 AM  Men’s Promise Keepers

  8:20 PM  “B” Softball Teamt6  Home

  7:00 PM  Ascension Day Service at  East Cutlerville CRC

  9:00 AM  Spirit Moves Karate

 Spirit Moves Christian Karate

Have you ever wanted to try karate but had concerns about the values of the school and the teachers?

Providence CRC understands this and offers our community a karate program that provides a safe, nurturing environment for you and your family.

Classes are taught by Rick and Marylu Dykstra, 4th Degree Black Belts and professional instructors in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Karate. This Okinawan style is very traditional, with origins dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Literally meaning “empty hand”, karate became the accepted form of selfdefense in Okinawa. Classes held at Providence CRC will be taught in the classic sense, maintaining respect for the traditional techniques, but in an environment intended to develop and nurture self-esteem and personal growth in mind, body and spirit. Additionally, specific self-defense techniques will be taught addressing the capabilities of small children through adults.

Christianity, Karate and Core Values

You do not need to be Christian to take karate here. Nor do you need to be a member of our church. Yes, we are Christians and we share a Bible verse during class, and we are here to learn karate and share our core values. These classes are not about violence or hurting people, but studying an ancient art of self-defense and getting a good mental and physical work out.

Providence Christian Reformed Church

7730 Eastern Ave., SE

Grand Rapids, MI  49508 

(616) 698-7930

www.providence-crc.org

Class Information 

Sign ups are ongoing throughout the year, with people working at their own pace and comfort level.  Classes are held in the Fellowship Room and are available ages 4 through adult with staggered dismissal based on age. Uniforms are not necessary but are available for separate purchase. Belt rank promotions and certification are held every two months. Parents must be present to sign up children under 18 years of age. No “contracts” are necessary as we only accept donations for each class you attend. This allows you to work within your budget and schedule. Our suggested donation rate is based on the age group.

 You do not need to be “in shape” to join, just come to learn and enjoy the fellowship. Everyone is invited and encouraged to observe classes, take photos or video.

Schedule

Tuesday

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (All ages & ranks)

Saturday

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Okinawan weapons

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. (All ages & ranks)

R /16/2003

Suggested donation by age and approximate class time. Newer

students and young children increase in time as they continue to learn.