Calvin Caller – Spring 2025
CALVIN CALLER – Calvin Church News
Visit our website: www.calvin-crc.org
Follow our Facebook page: calvin.crc.muskegon
Easter Quote…
“I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun — not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis
In John 11:25-26, Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
The resurrection of Jesus makes all things clear. It is the ultimate proof of his divinity and power. Just as the sun shines light on everything around us, Jesus’ resurrection shines light on all truth and gives us understanding of who he truly is – our Savior and Redeemer.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He offers us eternal life through his death and resurrection – a promise that we can hold onto and see everything else by.
What is your answer to Jesus’ question… do you believe? Now, will you proclaim it? If so, how will you proclaim it?
Children’s Ministry News…
Hey parents, please mark the following dates on your calendar:
- April 13 – Palm Sunday… children will meet in the narthex at 9:50 AM to help us start worship by waving palm branches as we sing.
- April 23 – End of Year Party for Wednesdays at Calvin… families will meet at Sherman Bowling Center. The cost of bowling and shoes will be covered. This is a family event!
- June 8 – Kids Outdoor Worship… bring a towel and enjoy a messy fun outdoor activity during worship.
- June 29 – Church Picnic… we’ll meet at Ross Park directly following worship.
- July 14-17 – Kids Camp at Calvin… during SERVE 2025, meets 9-11:30 AM.
- July 27 – Kids Outdoor Worship… bring a towel and enjoy a messy fun outdoor activity during worship.
- August 1 – Family Outdoor Movie… The movie will begin between 8-8:30 PM. Popcorn and lemonade provided.
~ Courtney Kingshott, Children’s Ministry Director
Faithful Family Verse of the Month…
We use a designated verse(s) in some way during worship on a monthly basis. Our hope is that this verse(s) will go home with you and be in your heart and mind during each month. You will find our monthly verse used in various ways during the month. You can find this focus verse in the bulletin, on Facebook, and on our website. Let’s keep digging into God’s Word together.
Calling All 2025 Grads…
We would like to honor this year’s college and high school graduates! If you are a grad or know a grad who is part of the Calvin family, please either call the church office 231-737-5207, or email info@calvin-crc.org, or leave a note in the office letting us know the name and college/high school of the graduate by Thursday, May 15th.
RightNow Media…
This is a streaming library of the world’s largest biblical video resources for the entire family that inspire faith every day of the week. Click on this LINK or text CALVINCRC to 49775 for easy access to the video library anytime, anywhere, browse the content available to you and find series that are relevant to your life.
Hearts & Hands…
In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6 NLT
We really appreciate the efforts of all of you who contributed so many wonderful items for our baby shower. It was a great success, and we now have a good selection of items to use for future baby gift baskets. Cash donations will be used for gift cards to be included in the baskets. Thank you!
Our thanks also go out to:
- Mary Lane and Courtney Kingshott who oversee the Baby Basket Ministry and do such a great job of putting these baskets together and delivering them to our families.
- Those of you who occasionally provide meals for families who are dealing with extended illness. We have heard reports that the meals are delicious and much appreciated!
The following donations from the Pickleball Fund were recently approved:
- Muskegon Rescue Mission – Easter meals
- Salvation Army – Easter meals
We would like to ask your help again this year in filling Easter gift bags for our Special Friends. We are so grateful for your willingness to support us in this project to show love and support to our homebound members. Please watch your bulletin for dates and a list of suggested items.
If you are interested in joining us in our mission to reach out and care for members of our church family and community, please mark our next meeting on your calendar. We really enjoy our time of work and fellowship together, and we always welcome new members. Our next meeting will be on April 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Fireside Room.
~ Antje Waldo, Secretary
Beautify the Sanctuary…
Do you have a flower garden? Would you like to help beautify our Sanctuary on a Sunday morning during the spring and summer months? We are looking for one large bouquet for each Sunday. If you are interested in sharing the beauty from your garden, there will be a sign-up sheet available soon. Please see Maryann Wolffis if you have questions.
~ the Decorating Team
Fellowship…
Please come and gather with us on these dates:
- Sunday, March 30 (during Coffee Fellowship): First Annual Spring Salad Luncheon Potluck. Please bring a hot or cold salad to share with everyone. Ham on bakery buns will be provided.
- Sunday, April 20: Easter Breakfast
- Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day Breakfast
- Sunday, June 15: Father’s Day Breakfast
We plan to have an Organizational Meeting in early April to discuss these events. I want to encourage all who share a spirit of hospitality and fellowship to come. We value new ideas and welcome more participants.
~ Bert VanAndel, Fellowship Coordinator
Household Pantry…
Thank you to all those who have donated to Calvin’s Household Pantry this past year!
The pantry is designed to assist families, who have very limited household goods, with kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom items. We are requesting clean, gently used items in good condition or new items. Rarely donated items include rugs and curtains. These are almost never included in a rental.
We do not accept clothing, used bed pillows, ripped items, or non-working items as we have limited storage. When these items are donated it requires sorting and either filling our dumpsters or trying to find a better place for those items. Thank you for your consideration and your generosity.
Household Pantry Co-chairs,
Ric & Dee Scott, Anita Hasper
Council would like to share the following update…
Council acknowledges that the congregational vote to expand the Narthex and remodel the Sanctuary passed by majority vote. Going forward, we will have all funds in place, pledged, or raised before beginning construction. In the meantime, we will do all that we can to offer opportunities for listening, feedback, answering questions, and finding ways to allow the congregation’s input into various decisions along the way. This motion was passed unanimously.
~ Bill Sorensen, Council President
Friendship Ministries…
This year is rapidly coming to an end for Friendship Ministry, and it has been an exciting one! Our 18 students praised God with gusto, learned about prayer and how to talk with God at any time of day, along with great snacks eaten! The bowling outing in February was a special night to break up the month-long break. It is fun to watch how God works in so many ways in the lives of our friends. To God be the glory!
You are invited to join us at any of our April meetings. On April 4 we will be hearing the Easter story. On April 10 we have our annual talent show (and it rivals America’s Got Talent!). On April 24 we will have our annual Worship service led by Craig Folger. What a great way to round out our season!
Beth Slater continues to write poetry, and she shares a poem with us…
~ Jan Weiden, Friendship Steering Committee Chair
Eagle’s Wings
Poem written by Beth Slater
We fly on eagle’s wings
As we serve the Lord on high
We fly to the highest mountain top to see His glory shine
So come to the Savior, he is waiting for you
And let His divine grace shine through
Come all ye who are weary, and He will give you peace
As we give praise, glory, and honor to our Lord, Jesus Christ and King
He is the living water in whom I will put my trust
As we sing glory hallelujah to the King of kings
For we will ever praise Him, and let’s reach out to those in need
to preach the word of salvation that he died for you and me
So we fly with eagle’s wings to the highest mountain top
He is the only Begotten Son, for He is the Son of God
He took the penalty for my sin and gave me the peace to carry on
So let’s come into the everlasting arms of our loving God and King
To give praise to the Father as we shout and sing
Let’s fly on eagle’s wings and sore through the sky
As we see the beauty of heaven I am satisfied
So keep your eyes on Jesus for all who want to see
Our Redeemer, Master, and the Restorer of our faith is He
He is the Potter and molder of my soul
For He holds us and carries us in the palm of His hand.
Among Ourselves…
How to Find our Event Calendar: Go to our website… https://www.calvin-crc.org. Scroll down to events, click on “Upcoming Events”, scroll down to the calendar.
April Birthdays:
Apr 1 – Tom Veldman Apr 9 – Jameson Wilson Apr 21 – Sam VanAndel
Apr 1 – Randy VanDonkelaar Apr 10 – Dave Dora Apr 21 – Josh Datema
Apr 3 – Jerry VanWoerkom Apr 10 – Noah Dethloff Apr 27 – Mary Doctor
Apr 3 – Alexis Holter Apr 11 – Barb Peterman Apr 27 – Amy Cunningham
Apr 5 – John Wickerink Apr 13 – Pat Brown Apr 28 – Amy VerMerris
Apr 6 – Steve Boomer Apr 14 – Sue VanRandwyk Apr 28 – Laken Konyndyk
Apr 8 – John Hoogstra Apr 15 – Ella Kempf Apr 30 – Ted Hewitt
Apr 9 – Ruth Keessen Apr 20 – Scott Huyser
May Birthdays:
May 1 – Greg Kamp May 9 – Wendy Hoogstra May 21 – Dee Scott
May 1 – Elise Johnson May 9 – Lexi Carlston May 21 – Kathy Jansen
May 2 – Ellen Rop May 10 – Chuck George May 22 – Audrey Kingshott
May 2 – Isaac Holter May 10 – Linda Bos May 23 – Josie Staley
May 2 – Daisy Mabrito May 10 – Bonnie Bergman May 27 – MaryAnn Mellema
May 4 – Bill Sorensen May 13 – Jeane Smit May 27 – Andy Swords
May 5 – Doug LaFayette May 16 – Marilyn Vanderlinde May 27 – Aiden Kempf
May 6 – Andrea Heeres May 16 – Holly Gould May 27 – Julia Best
May 6 – Rosemary Datema May 17 – Owen Milkamp May 30 – Char Berens
May 7 – Mia Castillo May 18 – Cooper Nekic May 31 – Paul Wilson
May 8 – Cheryl Veldman May 20 – Ric Scott May 31 – Sue Milkamp
May 8 – Lou Gifford May 20 – Kevin Datema
June Birthdays:
June 1 – Steve VerMerris June 9 – Cindy Beisel
June 1 – Kennah VerMerris June 9 – Aerley Holter June 20 – Sherry Wilson
June 1 – Adaline Gillette June 9 – Blake Paquin June 20 – Tom Mellema
June 2 – Charyn Hain June 12 – Cody Hyma June 20 – Jessica Russell
June 2 – Miles Mabrito June 14 – Gail Kraft June 21 – Chuck Gillette
June 4 – Vonnie VanderPloeg June 14 – Charlie Boomer June 22 – Tim Jansen
June 4 – Joni Wagenmaker June 15 – Frank Spoelstra June 22 – Iyla Holter
June 5 – Rick Dethloff June 17 – Elaine VanDonkelaar June 23 – Bob Hoogstra
June 5 – Dave VanRandwyk June 17 – Marie Allen June 24 – John Konyndyk
June 5 – Carol Mogdis June 17 – Kathy Hoogstra June 26 – Camden Gillett
June 5 – Mae Sneller June 17 – Tom Witt June 28 – Aurora Gillette
June 5 – Madelyn Wilson June 17 – Jackson Kempf June 29 – Russ Baker
June 6 – Bonnie Meengs June 18 – Vern Borgman June 29 – Barb Hoffman
June 8 – Dave Mellema June 18 – Jacob Murray June 29 – Wade Witt
Anniversaries: Our best wishes to the following couples who are celebrating their anniversaries in April, May, June (50+ years together) …
Chuck & Marge Gillette celebrating 54 years on April 3.
Don & Juanita Fowler celebrating 64 years on April 8.
Dan & Mary Doctor celebrating 50 years on April 18.
Mark & Bonnie Meengs celebrating 55 years on April 25.
Al & Elaine VanDonkelaar celebrating 72 years on April 30.
Bob & Rosemary Datema celebrating 52 years on June 14.
John & Terry Hoekstra celebrating 68 years on June 15.
Tom & MaryAnn Mellema celebrating 50 years on June 21.
Jay & Nancy Milkamp celebrating 57 years on June 28.
Church Directory Info…
- The printed 2025/2026 Church Directory will be published in June.
- If you have changes (address, phone, email, etc.) for the directory during the year, please let Vickie know and updates will be put in this section of the seasonal Calvin Caller (but will not be included in the Calvin Caller on the website).
- Have you updated your family photo recently? If your answer is yes, we would like to include it in our Online Directory! Please take a moment to email it to Vickie in the office at curtis@calvin-crc.org. I encourage you to see the directory as a living document, reflecting our congregation’s dynamic nature. Please help Vickie keep it updated!
- The Online Church Directory is very user friendly! Call, text or send an email right from the app on your smartphone. All info is updated regularly. Download the app and get started today! Call/Email the office or stop in if you need instructions.