Andrew Moorehead



OUR MINISTRY AT THE CROSSROADSSOUTH BLENDON REFORMED CHURCHINDEXDescription pageIndex1Snapshot of who we are2Mission Statement, Vision Statement & Core Values3-5Current Community Information6-8History of our church8-14List of former Pastor’s & 2014 Congregational Assessment15Strategic Planning Overview16Staff Profiles17-18Current Ministry Programs19-21Statistics: Membership & Budget21Membership of South Blendon Reformed Church22-23Building Project23-24Approved and Printed February 2015Profile of South Blendon Reformed ChurchBlendon Township, Hudsonville, Ottawa County, MichiganBuilding Disciples: Growing in Faith: Serving in Christ’s NameSnapshot of who we areSouth Blendon is situated in a “triangle” of growth in West Michigan. This triangle includes Georgetown Township in Jenison, Michigan west to Holland, Michigan north to Grand Haven, Michigan. This area had seen a lot of building in the past years and now again with the upswing of our economy, housing is once again started. There are many opportunities to reach singles and families from the many subdivisions located around our church location which is in a rural setting.This year our church celebrates 131 years in the ministry of working with people and seeing people saved because of their belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.In the 131 years as an organized Reformed Church of America, we have had 19 Senior Pastors who faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of a Loving God, a Living Christ, and an active Holy Spirit in worship and celebration. How we praise God for His faithfulness to South Blendon Reformed Church and with each Pastor and consistory, they have strived to lead our congregation in being a “body” that would honor God through becoming what He wanted us to be as “a church at the crossroads.”As we are ready to call a Pastor, it is a time to petition God to work in the heart of whomever He has already called to minister to us. We will have to assess our own strengths and weaknesses, our church policies and procedures that we may “live out” our Mission Statement and values we hold dear as Christians.We have very talented people in our church that serve on consistory, teach, and take part in our Praise Band under the leadership of Trisha Avink who is a very talented musician and singer. We also video tape our worship service and it is shown on the local WCET Television Channel twice a week. We also do c.d.’s and bring to our shut-ins or members who would like to hear it again or because they were not able to come to our service.We now have a blended service of music which includes some organ for hymns and keyboard and praise team for more contemporary music.Mission StatementBuilding Disciples: Growing in Faith: Serving in Christ’s NameVision StatementTo have everyone at South Blendon Reformed Church know their Spiritual Gift’s and know how their gifts support South Blendon’s Evangelistic efforts.Core ValuesThe BibleWe believe the Holy Bible is the final and only authority for Truth. Biblical truth as we understand it is informed and shaped by the Creeds and Confessions of the Reformed Church in America of which we are a part.Measurement Questions:-Are we centering all our ministries on the Holy Bible?-Are we becoming more familiar with the scriptures?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?PrayerPrayer is an essential means of communication with God and is vital for accomplishing His purpose in the world. We believe we need both private and collective prayer as a congregation for the planning and implementation of God’s ministries and activities of our church. Measurement Questions:-Is prayer being offered in every aspect of the church?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?WorshipThe focus of Worship is not for us but to give glory to God. We believe worship includes: praise in song and music, prayer to The Father, and reading God’s Word. We also believe that as we worship the Trinity, God blesses us and communicates His Presence to us faithfully.Measurement Questions:-Is our worship glorifying to God?-Is our worship focused on God and not us?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?OutreachWe believe that we are commanded to “go out and share the gospel of His love and salvation to those around us and out into the world.” We will encourage a Christ-like hope both in our inner life and the community around us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to reach out to a world around us desperate for hope and love.Measurement Questions:-Are we listening to the Holy Spirit and answering His call?-Are we intentional in sharing the gospel with those we are in contact with?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?RelevanceWe believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ is timeless and unchanging. Valuing ministry that is both doctrinally pure and culturally relevant, we strive to tailor the presentation of the Gospel message so that the audience hears and receives it. We will remain faithful to the tenants of the Reformed faith while communicating the Gospel in relevant ways.Measurement Questions:-Is our ministry in accordance with the Gospel?-Is our ministry relevant to the culture around us today?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?AccountabilityWe are to hold each other accountable by challenging, encouraging and building up each other in His redemptive grace. We need to extend forgiveness to each other when we fall short.Measurement Questions:-Are we accountable to one another and to God?-Is the extension of Grace offered in abundance with others?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?Spiritual Gifts/ServingWe all need to discover, develop and use our gifts in serving the Kingdom. We need to help each other with encouragement to involve all members to take their gift(s) and use it for service wherever it is needed with a joyful heart.Measurement Questions:-Are we aware of our Spiritual Gifts?-Are we using our Spiritual Gifts and Serving in Christ’s Name?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?EducationWe strive to teach God’s Word so all may find Christ and mature in their faith with knowledge in the church and in the home. We believe strong homes make strong churches.Measurement Questions:-Are we supporting the congregation and families with strong biblical teaching?-Are we growing in our own personal faith?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?Relational CommunityWe value loving, intergenerational relationships and will care for one another, pray for one another and trust one another. We know God builds a community of faith using His people. We want to be a community like what is described in the Bible; where people are real, honest, respectful, forgiving and encouraging of one another. Therefore, we commit to create a non-threatening environment for all, inviting people to explore the Christian faith.Measurement Questions:-Are we open to those around us and an encouragement to those who come?-Do we offer a place for All people to have a relationship with Jesus Christ?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?Spiritual Growth and DiscipleshipWe are committed to the continuous growth and spiritual formation of every Christian in biblical knowledge, wisdom, stewardship, service and their relationship with God. Discipleship is a life-long, grace filled journey. Therefore, we will devote ourselves to practices which promote spiritual growth realizing that, wherever we are with God, He has more for us. We will commit to provide opportunities for Christ-followers to pursue and continually take steps towards intimacy with Christ as life-long learners.Measurement Questions:-Do we promote spiritual growth in all things?-Are we intentional in our efforts towards intimacy with Christ?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?StewardshipWe believe everything we have belongs to God and we are asked to give back to God our tithes and offerings. Our time, our talents, our love, our hospitality and our spiritual gifts are also to be used when we think of stewardship. God will hold each one accountable for all He has entrusted to us.Measurement Questions:-Are we faithful stewards of all that God has given us, both time and resources?-Are we caring for the needs of those around us?-If so how are we celebrating this?-If not what steps are being taken to correct this?Current Community information and HistoryBlendon Township Township Public Schools Christian Schools Public Schools Blendon Ref. Church Christian Schools South Blendon Church is located in Blendon Township approximately 3 miles north and west of Hudsonville, on the western edge of nearly 20 square miles of rapid suburban development.Hudsonville is a small, friendly community located approximately 20 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan. The community combines pleasant residential areas and parks, along with a blend of commercial development. The area continues to grow with many new residential developments. Retail and commercial development is also going on.PopulationPopulation in the area is expected to greatly increase over the next 10 years. In 2010 the population in Hudsonville was 8,668 with an expected growth to 10,452 by the year 2020. Blendon Township, which is where our church is located and many members live in, has a population in 2010 of 7,002 with an expected growth to 8,514 by the year 2020. Georgetown Township, which border Hudsonville to the north, has a population in 2010 of 53,569 with an expected growth to 68,574 by the year 2020.SchoolsHudsonville School District, a Class A school district, covers 111 square miles. There is a wide selection of schools to choose from: The public school system consists of an Early Childhood facility, 6 elementary schools, two middle schools [currently 6th, 7th and 8th grade] a ninth grade building and a high school. Hudsonville Christian Schools [Pre K-8th grade], Heritage Christian and Unity Christian High School give prospective residents a wide choice of education possibilities.Higher education in the area is offered through Calvin College, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College, Cornerstone University, Davenport College, Grand Valley State University, Hope College and Kuyper College. Western Michigan University, Ferris State University and Albion College also provide extension programs in Grand Rapids. Calvin Seminary, Western Seminary, and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary are also in the area.Nearby CommunitiesGrand Rapids is the closest major city to Hudsonville, approximately 20 miles away. It is the second largest city in Michigan. Grand Rapids has become a major regional medical center with specialties like the Meijer Heart Center and the Lemmon Cancer Center and the De Vos Children’s Hospital along with the rest of the medical mile is a tremendous asset to the public. Another medical asset is the Michigan State College of Human Medicine, which is located on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids. Their enrollment for this year is 854 students with a full- time faculty of 611 for a faculty-student ratio of 0.7:1. Their academic and clinical functions are bolstered by research centers that focus on medical dilemmas such as Parkinson’s disease and breast cancer. Art Prize, is an important historical development and an international competition which is held in Grand Rapids for two weeks in the fall. In 2012, they estimated 440,000 visitors in 19 days. Another fantastic family venture is the Meijer Gardens which not only houses plants and flowers but many pieces of well known art sculptures. They also hold concerts throughout the summer. We also have the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum located in the city of Grand Rapids, which of course, is absolutely wonderful to view. Both President and Mrs. Ford are buried on the grounds of the library.Rivertown Crossings is a two story mall with a large variety of stores which opened approximately 15 years ago. A new Tanger Outlet mall will be opening in 2015 in the Byron Center area, south of Hudsonville.Holland, Michigan with its unique, renovated downtown with heated sidewalks is just a short drive to the west. Lake Michigan is a huge attraction in Holland for the beaches, camping areas and a channel out to the lake for boats, sea-do’s and other water activities.Grand Haven, to the north, also offers a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan along with camping. During the summer months, they offer Christian music on Sunday evenings which is a relaxing and pleasant experience.Saugatuck to the south offers beaches on Lake Michigan, and Mt. Baldy which you can climb. Downtown Saugatuck offers many shops of quality merchandise which is available along with a board walk you can stroll on seeing boats going in and out of the channel. Many charter fishing boats moor there and take clients out on Lake Michigan.With the quality education, activity options, and friendly community, Hudsonville is a wonderful place to live. We are known as the “Salad Bowl City” because of the many vegetables grown in the muck areas: onions, celery, carrots and other farm crops. Good People. Good Living.History of the churchBecause our history is long, we would like to start out with “Prelude to 1883” which was written by a member of our church for our 100th Anniversary Celebration. It shows the journey of starting a church in a new community….Prelude to 1883South Blendon is the area’s nameTo which a surge of settlers came.These Hollanders, a sturdy race,Considered this a likely placeTo make a start, or start anewTheir occupation to pursue.They came to farm this varied landOf muck and gravel, clay and sand.But Oh, the work, hard work to clearThe many wooded acres here!Some clear the ancient riverbed,Some plow the gentle hills instead.While others strive to ditch and drainAnd farm the marshy Blendon plain.Some choose the warmer gravelly soilOn which to spend their days of toil;While other folks acreage tookAlong the quiet flowing brook.Should you be tempted to derideThis isolated countryside,Then think of how these settlers stoodFor principals of highest good.They longed that all, from old to youngMight worship in their mother-tongue.And since, for them for miles aroundNo place of worship could be found;They soon, in eighteen hundred seventy-six,For work and worship’s proper mixWere gathered on their days of restIn places that could serve them best.Though shelter be a barn or shed,T’was there the Holy Word was read;It’s vital truths, though simply taught,A wealth of satisfaction brought.With humble hearts they bowed in prayer;And psalms of praise ascended there.‘Twas faith that led them to rejoice;No organ notes did aid the voice.Some sang the notes with tuneful poise,And some just made a joyful noise.When eighteen eighty came to beA very welcome change we see,A tiny church of plain designBeside the Georgetown-Blendon line.And after three more years had passed,‘Twas one united band at last;To face, by faith, as pioneers,The challenges of coming years.Written August 15, 1982 by: -Gerrit ElzingaWe, in this day cannot fully comprehend the hardship and obstacles they had to overcome. But shall we, their posterity and heirs, not be more faithful and loyal in our work for the Kingdom? If we stop to think that they did it all to the honor and glory of God, with this future in view that their posterity might reap the fruits of their endeavor’s? It is because we cherish the memories of these heroes, whose faith and courage conquered the many obstacles in establishing this congregation, that we present this history of its origin and progress these one hundred thirty-one years.1876 – 1890A group of people of Holland descent formed the nucleus of our present congregation in the year 1876, in the vicinity of the Ohio Mills, the name of the locality in the neighborhood across from the old South Blendon School on Port Sheldon Street. There was no church in this locality at that time and many worshippers were ridiculed by the pioneer Americans of that day when they sang Dutch Psalms. This did not discourage nor dampen their endeavors.In the latter part of the 1870’s, the people contemplated the building of a small church with the aid of the Church Building Fund, which happened in 1880 on the present location. On March 21, 1883, was the first meeting to organize a permanent congregation. The organizational meeting was held on April 17, 1883.There were 39 original members of the South Blendon Reformed Church. The first consistory consisted of two elders and two deacons. Elders read sermons on Sunday and occasionally they had a classical appointment. May 13, 1883 the morning offering was .47 cents.It was decided at the congregational meeting on April 19, 1886 to build a parsonage. When they completed the parsonage, a call was extended on December 1886 to a Seminary student, Gerhard De Jonge, D.D. He accepted as the first Pastor beginning in the spring of 1887.1891 – 1908The 1880 church could no longer accommodate the people and it was sold and a new church was dedicated in December 16, 1891. Two more pastors came as leaders for our church.April 17, 1908, our congregation celebrated our 25th Anniversary. A historical sketch was given with an old Dutch Psalm so often sung at the services in former days, from Ps. 77:11: “I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember thy works of old.”1909 – 1925In 1913 or there about, improvements were made to the church property. The church was raised three feet, a basement room was put underneath, a furnace installed and a central front entrance was made. This was complete without incurring debt. The congregation also became self-supporting and the afternoon service was changed to an English language service.The young people solicited funds for a pipe organ and a Hinners organ was properly dedicated on December 31, 1919. The surplus money from the organ fund was used for new gasoline church lamps. These were the days of WWI and several young men were inducted into the service of their country. All returned home safely.In 1921, the old parsonage was sold and a new parsonage was begun in the fall. An adult Bible Class was organized and has continued to the present time.1926 – 1933Rev. Lawrence Borst arrived as a graduate of Western Theological Seminary in the summer of 1930. In the summer, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary and at that time, the number of family’s had risen to 85 and the communicant members to 205.1934 – 1947In 1935, many important improvements were made to the interior of the sanctuary. The balcony was rebuilt and enlarged, the sanctuary was altered and stained leaded glass windows were installed.In 1942, our church made our first venture in direct missionary support by assuming partial support for Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Esther as missionaries to China. The church also subscribed to the Church Herald on a 100 percent basis. Consistory was enlarged to twelve members and afternoon worship was discontinued and replaced with an evening serviceOn April 16, 1943, our church celebrated our 60th Anniversary. August 19, 1945, the first bulletin was printed with our church picture on the cover. The congregation then numbered 101 families with 212 communicants. Contributions reached the sum of $6,635.1948-1977In 1949, the Wednesday evening Family Night was started to combine prayer meetings, catechism for all ages and choir practice into one evening of activity. We also took on partial support of new missionaries, Rev. & Mrs. Albert DeVoogd in Mexico.In 1950, a generous gift was received from a member and it was to serve as a nucleus for a building fund for a new church. In April 1955, the ground was broken for a new sanctuary. On March 14 and 15, the new church was dedicated with a special service. The old church was sold at auction on February 4, 1956. The bell from the old church was moved to the bell tower in the new church.Along with Hudsonville Reformed Church, we moved to organize a daughter church on November 7, 1965, known as Fellowship Reformed Church. Twenty six of our families joined that congregation and we also gave them $20,000.During a two year vacancy of a pastor, we built a new parsonage in 1972 with 3,250 square feet. The old parsonage was sold and moved to Allendale. In 1971, a new organ was completed and installed on April 18, 1971.August 11, 1975, plans for the new educational unit were approved and the completed building was dedicated on February 26, 1976. We are thankful at the conclusion of the Vietnam conflict as all of our members in the armed services were able to return home.1978 – 2008Along with a new Pastor, Marlin Meendering, we started the first children’s message as a regular part of the morning worship service. In 1980, we assumed care and support of a Vietnamese refugee family of nine persons. That venture proved to be very satisfying. Our family night program was changed to include elective courses for adults, resulting in a much larger attendance.In 1982, our parking lot was enlarged and paved and a room in the education wing was converted into a church office. In the past five years, our stewardship increased by 30 percent and we now number 180 families with 380 communicants.On April 10, 1983, our church started the 100 year Centennial Celebration and finished with a Centennial Worship Service the morning of April 17, 1983. A play was given titled “A Sunday in July, 1888.” Growing up as a child in South Blendon, Gerrit Elzinga often heard his father tell the stories of the Dutch immigrants. Drawing upon those childhood stories, Mr. Elzinga has weaved together our ancestors’ deep faith, many facts, and some fiction into a one-act play.Memorial Bibles were given in memory of family loved ones. 45 families took part giving in honor of 100 years of God’s faithfulness to our congregation. We also put out a cookbook honoring the women from April 17 1883 to April 17, 1983. On October 19, 1978, the ladies meetings joined as one and they now are called Reformed Church Women.In 1982, our church newsletter was started and as we look back, we can see that God blessed our ladies group as He continues to do today. In 1984, we went to two morning services and the Fellowship Hall was completed. An area of 9,000 square feet cost $380,000 - $400,000.Another daughter church broke off from our church and Fellowship Reformed Church in September of 1987. Covenant Community Church was organized in December 1988 and moved into their building in December of 1990. We had six families leave our church. In 1994, the sanctuary was completely redecorated and the stage area removed. We also had the South Blendon Orchestra.On October 7, 2003, we promised a call to Mark Kleinheksel who was still in seminary. The actual call was on February 9, 2004 and he was installed as the nineteenth Senior Pastor of SBRC on August I, 2004.For a period of time, every two years, we held “Tent Meetings” for three to four days for our community. We took part in the National Church Development Process to help make our congregation healthier in different areas. We improved our scores in many areas.In 2006, 17 members of our congregation went on a Mission trip to Mississippi to help in the cleanup of Hurricane Katrina. It was a special time of hearing God’s call to each of the team members.We underwent a re-structuring and moved to a more contemporary style of worship. We were challenged by the Consistory with the Parable of Talents found in Luke’s gospel. Every person in the congregation was given $5.00 to increase that amount as our abundant offering to the Lord. We made $8,682 and it was divided in half to be divided to our Mission Fund and a new projection system for our sanctuary.Care Shepherds were assigned to work with the Elders and Deacons in the individual Care Groups, A Prayer Action Team was started in 2007 and a Prayer Vine started in 2008 on the sanctuary wall to be a visual reminder of the prayers God answers in our daily lives.We have had several students from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan that have interned at our church under Pastor Mark’s leadership.Pastor Mark took a call to Hager Park Reformed Church and started there on August 1, 2014. As of this date, the church has no debt.2008 – 2014We hold block parties where our Outreach Ministry brings food and drink to a neighborhood and invites the residents on the street to join them to eat and learn about our church and what we offer for people in the area, while also sharing all the children’s activities, nights and times.We have also started the Hand2Hand Backpack Ministry a couple of years ago. It is a program to help students, in the middle school, have enough food to eat over the week-end while they are home. They take a backpack home on Friday filled with food.This ministry has a co-coordinator who picks up some food along with the members of our congregation who monthly bring food items that are listed in our bulletins. We have people who pack the food into each backpack and others who bring the backpacks into the school and put them in the individual’s locker.This year we are doing 37 backpacks a week. We thank God for the privilege we have to make a difference in these young people’s lives and show them God’s love. It is a blessing to our church. List of Pastors who served at South Blendon Reformed Church:Gerhard De Jonge1887-1890William Pool1890-1893John Poot1894-1896Derk Scholten1896-1908Peter Siegers1909-1913Fedde Wiersma1913-1921James Ellerbroek1923-1926John Vander Beek1926-1929Lawrence Borst1930-1935Henry Fikse1935-1947Fred Ligtenberg1949-1954Gradus Aalberts1954-1960Arend Roskamp1961-1964Louis Harvey1965-1970Jacob Dykstra1972-1977Marlin Meendering1978-1983Kenneth Stults1984-1996Stanley Craig1999-2002Mark Kleinheksel2004-20142014 Congregational AssessmentIn September of 2014 the church decided to hire the services of Clear Vision Ministries. This is an organization that assists local churches in assessing their ministries, staff and programming. As a part of that assessment work, Clear Vision conducted approximately 50 thirty minute “listening sessions” with a broad cross-section of the congregation. During those sessions, participants were asked to answer four questions:What is right?What is wrong?What is missing?What is confused? To view a video of this report please click the link below: HYPERLINK "" \t "_blank" Planning OverviewThe Strategic Ministry Planning Team is a team of 9 people appointed by the Consistory to pray, study, research, discuss and propose an answer to the question, “What does God want this church to look like in 3-5 years? This team has met every other week for several months and has developed the following things that have been unanimously adopted by the Consistory:A new mission statementA target audience statementA new core values statementResponded to the Congregational Assessment and recommended to the Consistory a new direction and vision for the church in the next 3-5 years.Created a change management plan by identifying key ministries that need to change and crafted specific plans to implement those changes.This process has included much prayer, prayer partners, Town Hall meetings, presentations to the entire congregation, joint meetings with the Strategic Ministry Planning Team and the Consistory, staff discussion and processing, and a variety of other approaches that have sought to demonstrate transparency and clear communication with the entire congregation. There is a deep conviction that the opportunities for the church are great and that we must move to act upon those opportunities to see the church realize the potential God has for it. While some of these changes will be challenging and difficult, we believe the Lord will use this journey to help the church reach more of this local community for Christ. There is a broad-based support for this direction from the Consistory, Strategic Ministry planning Team, staff, and congregation.Staff Profiles4600575201930Andrew MooreheadDirector of Youth MinistriesI started ministering at South Blendon in July of 2012. I have a Bachelors Degree with a double major in Bible and Youth Ministry from Cornerstone University and a Masters of Arts in Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan. I was lucky enough to marry my best friend Stephanne, and together we have two wonderful boys, Samuel and Nolan. Working with young people is something that God has placed on my heart, and I am blessed to be doing it here at South Blendon. The kids are great, and I am always excited to see what God is going to do next. In my off time I enjoy playing with my boys, watching subtitle martial arts movies, and playing board games, hopefully long complicated ones.4582795226695Mark Rich Pastoral InternHaving come to faith late in life I am passionate about the transformational relationship found in a personal faith with Jesus Christ. I love worship and prayer and the foundational role they play in one’s faith journey. My wife Diane and I are blessed to have been members of SBRC for the last two years. I am in my third year of five as a seminary student at Western Theological Seminary. I have a BA in Business from Hope Collage. We have two grown sons and three grandchildren. Diane and I enjoy traveling and gardening in our spare time. We are excited to trust in God as we discern where and how God will choose to use us in this next stage of our lives.Mavis Finnie 4724400318770Administrative AssistantI have been the Administrative Assistant at SBRC since 2001.? Before that I was employed at Herman Miller for 24 years.? I have been married to my husband, Tommy, since August of 1989.? Together we enjoy camping, walking, riding bike & watching the Tigers.? We have 4 adult children, between the two of us, and we also have 5 grandchildren and 2 cats. I am a lifelong member of SBRC and am privileged to be part of the staff.Berv & Margie Vruggink 472440058420CustodiansWe have been custodians since December 1984. We’ve seen many changes over the years with building additions, remodeling, and pastors. Berv is an avid biker—the pedaling kind—and can be found riding around the community on an agreeable and even not so agreeable day. Margie enjoys many crafts and reading. We both love camping, traveling, grandkids, and kayaking.Trisha Avink472440076200Worship LeaderI have been the worship leader at South Blendon since July 2014. I am a graduate of Kuyper College. I received a Bachelors in Science. I have a double major in Bible & Theology and Music & Worship studies. I have been participating in the worship ministry since I was in the 7th grade. Music has been a passion in my life since I can remember. God has blessed me with the gift of playing the piano. I enjoy music, playing sports, watching sports, and spending time with my family and friends. Current Ministry programsWe have a Consistory that consists of 6 elders and 6 deacons. From the consistory we have an Executive Team that consists of the Senior Pastor, Vice President, Clerk, Chairman of the Deacons and Deacon Treasurer. We also have six appointed Care Shepherds that help the elders make calls on their people they are assigned.Youth – Future GrowthThese meetings are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Kingdom Kids3 years through kindergartenGems1st grade through 6th grade for girlsCadets1st grade through 6th grade for boysVillage Youth Group held on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m.7th grade through 12th grade youthEducation MinistriesChildren’s Worship3 year old through 1st grade, approximately 10 a.m. thru end of serviceSunday school3 years old through adults, currently one adult classFrom 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.Worship ServicesWe strive to offer God our very best as we gather together to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Our schedule is as follows:9:30 a.m. – Morning Service11:00 a.m. – Sunday schoolFor now there is no Evening ServiceMissions – The people of South Blendon Reformed Church are very committed to missions Ministry and always have been. It is a high priority and holds a major place in the heart of our people. In addition to our regular involvement in denominational giving’s and askings, we also have shares in supporting the following RCA Missionaries:The McAuley’s in Malawi, central AfricaThe Sundararajan’s with Audio Scripture in IndiaThe Miersma’s in Nairobi, KenyaJodi Oppenhuizen in the Czech RepublicThe Beavon’s in Kitale, KenyaThe Cuidon’s in CroatiaLove INC OrganizationHand 2 Hand Back Pack MinistryCampus Ministry at Grand Valley State UniversityBible StudiesWOW [Women of the Word] where a nursery is provided meets every other Tuesday for the months of September through MayOtherHave a church campout every other yearHave a church picnic every other yearVBS [Vacation Bible School] is held every August for one week. This is a huge outreach for our church as we have many subdivisions around our church.Occasionally we have a children’s message in the morning worship service.We have WAT Bags [Worship Activity Tote bags] which can be used by the children who do not go to children’s church. They are returned back on the tree in the narthex and “replenished” with goodies.Our Current Ministry Teams: Used to facilitate the work of the church involving members in the decisions necessary to develop the style of worship that best fits our ministries.Administrative Ministry Team assists with the day to day functions of the church and to oversee the property and buildings on the church property regarding maintenance. Congregational Care Ministry Team implements ways and means to give the opportunity for all members of the South Blendon Reformed Church to experience authentic, biblical community. The team is to plan and execute opportunities that focus on fellowship, social activities, and practical examples of biblical teachings.Christian Education Ministry Team is to provide for the educational needs of all South Blendon Reformed Church members. To implement ways and means by which all persons of our church family may have the opportunity to have classes to assist them to grow in their Christian faith.Outreach Ministry Team is to watch and be informed of local opportunities to serve others in our area and to discover programs which will be of service in our community.Worship Ministry Team is to assure regular worship services are held on Sundays and also that special services are provided when necessary. The team is charged with the responsibility of implementing the ways and means for such services.Sunday Morning Worship by households, confessing members and baptized membersYEARHOUSEHOLD CONFESSING BAPTIZING MEMBER MEMBER2008 106207562009 109204592010 102203612011 99194542012 109194532013 106196552014 10018759BUDGETSYEAR GENERAL FUNDBUILDING FUNDBENEVOLENCE2009/10$ 237,248.00$ 12,000.00$ 40,399.472010/11$ 259,414.00$ 12,000.00$ 40,102.912011/12$ 233,781.00$ 12,000.00$ 35,391.762012/13$ 248,466.29 $ 12,000.00 $ 35,986.232013/14$ 254,962.73 $ 12,000.00 $ 33,937.662014/15$ 245,151.57 $ 12,000.00 $ 35,561.76Membership in South Blendon Reformed Church: A booklet given to new members.The presence of Christ is the key to the life of a church. The church is:Linked in the closest possible way with Christ.People are inseparably bound to each other – our “community” in the Bible. We belong to Jesus Christ but also to one another.Needed and important.Blessed with distinguishing marks of unity and love.Called to be Holy [unique, set apart].To be committed to generosity and not greed, to sharing instead of selflessness, to love instead of hate, to have peace instead of war,To be a transformed community – a beacon of life.A community in mission to make Christ known.Our church confesses Faith in God. South Blendon Reformed Church is:CORPORATE by involving both minister and congregation.LITURGICAL by involving the people of God in the activity of worship.SACRAMENTAL by celebrating Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and through these our faith is awakened, renewed and energized. Becoming a confessing member at South Blendon Reformed Church:God blesses us in relation to our dedication to Him. Jesus requires public Confession of Faith in Him, the joy of being counted by becoming a member.God will bless us with a joyous Christian Life of service.God will bless us with the sacrament of communion.God reserves the blessing of the sacrament of baptism for our children.Our membership by Confession of Faith honors Jesus Christ.Membership at South Blendon Reformed Church involves:Belonging to Christ and to a local congregation.Being a part of a genuine community.The opportunity to be part of something significant, discovering the specific gift God has given you to help the church carry on Christ’s work.By showing faithful participation and active discipleship.A call for active stewardship.Building ProjectIn 2012, it was decided to work on a building program to make our church building more people friendly. An architect was hired and plans were drawn up and were presented to the congregation and they were received well.The project was designed in 4 phases each phase to be completed and paid for before moving to the next phase. Phase 1 – Consists of exterior brick updating on south side of building, extending overhang above south east entrance, building a covered drop off area and reconstructing the entrance near the elevator, completely re-constructing the entire nursery area along with the new entrance that would be open and lead to the entrance of the nursery.Phase 2 – Build a new kitchen area off the north end of the current Fellowship Hall, opening up the area where the current kitchen is located and preparing it to be our new narthex. Along with this was some extra heating and cooling work needed for the new narthex area.Phase 3 – Temporarily moving our worship services into the Fellowship Hall and completely reversing the sanctuary from facing west to facing east. By doing so this would now create one main entrance point under the covered drop off. Parents would be able to take their children down to the nursery which would be visible from the entrance or head up stairs into the narthex and then in the sanctuary.Phase 4 – Building a new gymnasium and open space area that would connect the fellowship hall to the office wing.Fundraising began in 2012 and in just a few short months enough funds were raised to begin construction on the nursery and it was decided that the nursery re-construction could take place independent from the other pieces of Phase 1. By August of 2013 the entire nursery had been completely taken apart and rebuilt to what it is today. There are 3 areas for children, one for infants, one for crawlers and one for toddlers. There is also a nice check in desk where parents can check their child in and out of the nursery. There is a pager system that the parents receive so if there is a need for the parent to come to the nursery during the service we have a way to communicate that to them. The total cost was around $55,000 and was paid for upon completion without debt.At this time the remaining phases have been put on hold and fundraising temporarily stopped as we navigate the search for a new senior pastor. ................
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