The United Church of Big Rapids Presbyterian Church USA and The United Church of Christ 120 S. State Street  Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone (231) 796 - 7124            Fax (231) 796 - 7592

Justice & Faith: a time of retreat, worship & rest

Julie Kline is coming to Big Rapids on Friday and Saturday, February 18th and 19th to facilitate our Adult Retreat at Camp Brethren Heights. Using "Justice for the Poor," a resource written by Jim Wallis, we will discuss what justice means in a Biblical sense, responses to poverty as Jesus taught, and ways we might advocate for the poor. The Spiritual Life Commission is planning a great weekend of fun, fellowship, and study.  There are some great trails there, so bring your winter gear if you would like to hike during the free time.  For those who prefer staying by the fireplace, bring games, puzzles, and conversation. The sign-up sheet is now on the Cards of Caring table.  If you have any questions, please call Maryanne Heidemann or Jerena Keys. Cost will be $20.00 per person.

News for United Church Children, Teens and Families

United Church to Build a “Tower of Soup” for “Soup-er Bowl”!
The children and youth of the United Church will be leading a drive during the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl game on February 6 to collect cans of soup for area families in need.  Please join them by bringing in cans of any size or type of soup.  The kids will be constructing a tower from the cans as they are collected.  Let’s see how big our pyramid of giving can get!  On Super Bowl Sunday, members of the congregation can show support for their favored team by adding coins to a soup pot decorated with that team’s logo.  Both monetary and food donations will be given to Project Starburst.  Look for construction to begin soon!

Winter Fun
Youth Group to Ice Skate:  Middle and high school students are invited to the Open Skate at Ferris Ice Arena on Sunday, January 30.  Open skate begins at 1:00 p.m.  Snacks and beverages will be provided, and the cost of skating covered by the church.  Youth will need to bring $2 for skate rentals if needed, and are on their own for any purchases from the ice arena concession stand.  Friends are welcome.  Please RSVP to Mrs. Daniels.
WinterFest at Cran-Hill Ranch:  Cran-Hill Ranch is again hosting a free winter event on Saturday, February 5.  Activities include sledding, wagon rides, dog sledding, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as indoor games.  A meal and hot chocolate are provided.  Meet other families from the United Church at 11:00 a.m. under the covered porch by the camp store to join together in the fun.

Help Wanted:  Library Volunteer:  The library committee of the church is looking for another book-loving individual to assist them.  Duties would include some routine filing and organization, but they are especially seeking someone interested in acquiring new books, DVD's and other materials for the library.  Please speak to library committee members June White and Ed Gabert or contact the church office if interested.  Many thanks to Carol Stader for the hours she gave to keeping the library organized and inviting.  We'll miss you, Carol.

The Equal Exchange coffee prices have increased more than we were expecting them to. Items are now individually priced and tagged.  We have some new coffee blends to try, as well as organic hot cocoa mix!

Radio Operators -
Are you interested in being a Radio Operator for Sunday morning services? If so, please notify Jerena. A training session will be scheduled in the near future.

Many thanks to the the intrepid individuals from the United Church who rang bells for the Salvation Army Annual Red Kettle Campaign. This year's ringers were Randy Vance, Alice and Gil Dean, Shirley Garlick, Maryrose Cook, Merrilee and Scott Hill-Kennedy, Barb Johnson, Donna and Gary Dunstone, and Carlene and John Gahrs.

   The Scrip Program is pleased to announce the addition of a new LOCAL retail participant to the gift card merchants.  Great Lakes Book & Supply is now available in $10 & $25 quantities.  The gift cards can be used in the first two levels of Great Lakes Book & Supply.  The discount to the Scrip Program is 20%. We also now have Target gift cards available in $25 and $100 denominations. Scrip will carry the $25 cards and will order the $100 cards on request. 
   On 12/26 the Scrip Program gave a check for $1000 to the Church Building Fund.
   Thank you to everyone who participates in the Scrip Program.  If you have any questions or have suggestions about new merchants for the program, please contact me at the Scrip Table at coffee hour or give me a call at home 796-9786.  Kay Achterhof.

Elder in Charge

Coffee Hour Hosts

Acolytes

Ushers

Liturgists

Greeters

Welcome Desk

Radio Operations

Anniversaries in Jan.-Feb.