Bethlehem Lutheran Opens Intergenerational Center

Written by Paul R. Kopenkoskey on 24 June 2017. Posted in Local

Pastor Jay Schrimpf is Bethlehem Intergenerational Center’s executive director and Susan Davidson is its director.Senior adults and children can significantly benefit from one another, but too often don't get the opportunity to interact. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is helping to bridge the generational gap thanks to its recent opening of the Bethlehem Intergenerational Center (BIC).

The BIC offers combined and enhanced day care for young children and seniors, building on the church's 46 years of experience in child care and education.

Terry's Picks: July 2017

Written by Terry DeBoer on 24 June 2017. Posted in Local

How about taking a little drive this month? Visit one of our outlying area venues and see a free-will offering concert in an informal setting. West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer has some suggestions in that direction for the month of July:

Truth, True Truth, Truthiness, and Post-truth in America

Written by Dr. Rex M. Rogers on 18 June 2017. Posted in Local

Dr. Rex M. Rogers American culture is actively forgetting what it used to believe.

That truth is objective and knowable reality – that truth is not defined by gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, partisanship, Left or Right political philosophy, culture, might, I.Q., riches or poverty, beauty or brawn, feelings or preferences, or even religion per se.

In the 1970s, the late Christian philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer coined the intentionally redundant phrase "true truth" to remind the emerging morally relativistic culture that truth is not subjective. It is not something we can pick and choose. Truth is absolute. Truth stands outside all of us.

A generation or two hence, American culture is racing pell-mell toward full-on relativism. Now, no one, no entity, nothing can be trusted because everything is reduced to power and rights, not truth.

New Music Review: Close

Written by Terry DeBoer on 18 June 2017. Posted in Local

Grand Rapids pastor and national music artist Bishop Marvin Sapp has released a brand new song from his forthcoming album.

"Close" is the type of gospel ballad which has faithfully delivered his musical testimony in years past.

Sapp, 50, is co-founder and pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church on Madison Ave. SE in Grand Rapids. But he's also a nationally renowned, award-winning gospel music artist.

A keyboard-based anthem, "Close" takes advantage of a live setting and a background singing choir as the verses and chorus positively point beyond current troubles to a fulfillment of a divine plan.

After Graduation, Remember This

Written by Dan Seaborn on 10 June 2017. Posted in Local

It's another season of diplomas, of caps and gowns, of students marching across a stage and into a new life. So whether they're on to college, a career, the military, or just a bit of wandering, it's time to hail the graduates!

Today, this message is for you, Graduate—yes, you, with your education in hand, your tassel freshly flipped, and pink Silly String on your shoe. As you take your next steps into this ever-changing world, your brain has been packed with information, facts, trivia, and far too many essay questions.

Get on Your Bikes and Pedal: RIDE GR Opportunity to have Fun, Pray Alongside Fellow Bikers

Written by Paul R. Kopenkoskey on 10 June 2017. Posted in Local

RIDE GR is an interdenominational prayer bike ride around Grand Rapids. Bicyclists often pedal around the city to burn calories, take in the sites and work off some stress. Stockbridge Boiler Room's (SBR) June 24 RIDE GR is no exception, but there's more to its 20-mile trek than enjoying the great outdoors.

RIDE GR is an opportunity for bikers to stand in agreement and prayerfully intercede on behalf of churches' and the neighborhoods they are based in, said Tim Collier, overseer of the local SBR.

Actress Shares Her Real Life Story

Written by Terry DeBoer on 10 June 2017. Posted in Local

The original cast of “Father Knows Best” (Lauren Chapin in lower right) Actress Lauren Chapin has a surprising description of her six years on the 1950s TV sitcom "Father Knows Best."

"It was my saving grace," said Chapin, who portrayed Kathy "Kitten" Anderson, the youngest child of the family depicted in the heart-warming series.

"I believe God had me in that (show) for a purpose, because my real family life at home was so contrary to that of the Andersons," recalled Chapin, 72.

Summer Praise Series Underway

Written by Terry DeBoer on 05 June 2017. Posted in Local

Members of the Grace Fellowship Church Praise Team lead music at Praise in the Park in RockfordRichard Moll has a pleasant predicament with the weekly Praise in the Park series in downtown Rockford. "We're running out of summertime Sundays," said Moll, founder and coordinator of the music series now in its sixth season.

There are so many area church worship teams – and other inspirational artists – interested in participating that Moll can't accommodate them all in a single summer.

For 2017 there are nine churches, two bands and one solo artist leading the worshipful music Sunday evenings in Garden Club Park.

Princess Party, Local Author Put Focus on Girls

Written by Ann Byle on 03 June 2017. Posted in Local

The popular Princess Party at Baker Book House (10:30 am Tuesday, June 13) is more than a dress-up opportunity for author Glenys Nellist. While she'll wear a tiara, she'll also read from her new book "Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart" (Zonderkidz).

"Because this is an event specifically for girls, it seemed appropriate to read from this book especially designed for girls," said Nellist, who lives in Rockford.

Justice Conference Founder to Speak on White Privilege

Written by Ann Byle on 03 June 2017. Posted in Local

Ken Wytsma, founder of The Justice Conference and author of the new book "The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege," will speak at Baker Book House on Wednesday, June 7.

The event, titled "Privilege is Real," is free, though tickets are required. Copies of his new book will be available for purchase at the store.

"We're so pleased to have Ken Wytsma in the store to talk about these important issues," said Darron Schroeder, assistant manager. "These are topics than need to be addressed, especially by Christians."

Zondervan and Gazelle Sports Welcome Legendary Female Olympic Track Star to Grand Rapids

Written by WMCN Editor on 01 June 2017. Posted in Local

Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, and Gazelle Sports have partnered to host one of the fastest American women in history, Sanya Richards-Ross, on Friday, June 2, for a book signing at the Gazelle Sports store in Grand Rapids from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event precedes the release of the Olympic gold medalist's new book, Chasing Grace: What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me About God and Life, and her children's book, Run with Me: The Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion, both available on June 6.

"As a dedicated runner myself, I'm thrilled to host Olympic track star Sanya Richards-Ross in West Michigan," said Tom Dean, VP of Marketing, Zondervan Trade Books. "Runners and non-runners alike can learn from Sanya's dedication and perseverance."

Baker Book House Offers Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Adults

Written by Ann Byle on 01 June 2017. Posted in Local

Baker Book House jumps into its Children's Summer Reading Program with a bang this year. The Adventures in Michigan program runs June 1-August 26 and features a wide array of activities and prizes.

"The program is all about promoting literacy at an early age, to encourage kids to read and love books," said Darron Schroeder, assistant manager at Baker Book House.

This year's program puts special emphasis on the state of Michigan, with at least seven Michigan authors visiting the story for special programs. Authors include Glenys Nellist, Crystal Bowman, Gary Bower, Laurie Keller, Tracy Madder, Kenneth Kraegel and Katie Newell.

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