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Woman of Influence: Marjory McClure, Wonderfully Made

Written by Amelia Rhodes on 04 April 2015. Posted in Local

In 1992 Marjory McClure, of Wonderfully Made, was inspired to develop a faith-based childbirth education program after overhearing nurses discussing such a program at a childbirth education conference. "From 1992-1996, I was busy raising a family, but I compiled information and began to transform the traditional childbirth program to Wonderfully Made," McClure explained. The Wonderfully Made program includes all the elements of a traditional childbirth program, but weaves in spiritual elements with scripture, prayer, and meditation.

McClure recalled how she had taken childbirth prep classes for her two pregnancies. "I felt some of the things in the classes instilled more fear than confidence in me, and I felt something was missing." As she began to develop the Wonderfully Made program, McClure wanted to incorporate the joy and sanctity of childbirth into the program bringing in the component of God's presence in labor and birth.

Worship the Focus of All Sons & Daughters

Written by Terry DeBoer on 04 April 2015. Posted in Local

All Sons & Daughters (David Leonard, left, and Leslie Jordan, right)The band All Sons & Daughters works hard at creating a worship environment wherever it performs.

And on the group's current tour, the players are taking along their church pastor.

The worship band, connected with Journey Church in Franklin, Tenn. brings its "Night of Worship and Conversation" to Life Church in Grand Haven on April 9 (see info below).

Marketplace Ministry Counsels People with God’s Wisdom

Written by Paul R. Kopenkoskey on 04 April 2015. Posted in Local

Rob Ellis has been director of Marketplace Ministry for seven years.Rob Ellis, director of Marketplace Ministry, flips through the New Living Translation of the Bible so he can read out loud a certain scripture from the Old Testament.

"Get all the advice and instruction you can," Proverbs 19:20 reads, "so you will be wise the rest of your life."

Ellis knows there are a number of people who need a rudder to guide them through life's challenges and heartaches. That's why Marketplace Ministry is here.

"There are a number of people who have not learned this yet," Ellis said.

Terry’s Picks: April 2015

Written by Terry DeBoer on 29 March 2015. Posted in Local

West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-based arts, entertainment and conference events over the coming month. Here are three highlights for April:

*"Undaunted"- The annual Easter drama at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church in Rockford is based on the true-life story of the Jim Bowers family, the West Michigan missionary family whose plane was shot down over Peru in 2001. Several family members died in the mistaken-identity attack. The story is told as an uplifting musical testimony to the faith that sustained them. Performances are at 7 p.m. April 2-4 with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 4 in the church at 6727 Kuttshill Dr. NE. Tickets are $5 suggested donation and are available on line via www.bhbconline.org/easterdrama. Call 866-9597 ext. 134 for more information.

Embrace Parenting

Written by Dan Seaborn on 29 March 2015. Posted in Local

I recently watched a TV segment called, "You Can Love Your Children
but Hate Parenting." It was based on an article that appeared in New York magazine about this concept of loving your children but not parenting.

I think there is some truth in that statement, even though hate is kind of a strong word. Most parents would never admit to it—publicly at least. It seems almost unthinkable to confess that you don't always like parenting. I mean what kind of parent doesn't enjoy every minute of changing diapers, stepping on toys, cleaning up vomit, listening to a temper tantrum or running after a two-year-old with a fork in her hand? The answer is every kind of parent! There are minutes, hours, days, weeks and even months where parents would trade their role of caregiver for sewer cleaner.

A Look Behind the Leader: Rachel Fuller

Written by Terry DeBoer on 23 March 2015. Posted in Local

     Rachel Fuller of The Well Church and Training Center says her church is all about family.

   Rachel is director of worship at The Well. Her husband Matthew is assistant pastor, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law Kathy and Michael Scott are co-founders and co-pastors of the congregation.

     “Our heart and vision is to restore families and people really feel a part of family when they come to The Well,” she noted.

     Originally beginning as a house church, then sharing a building with another church, The Well now has its own facility – in a storefront along Breton Rd. SE just south of 44^th St. SE.

Photo Exhibition Engenders God’s Peace, Contentment

Written by Paul R. Kopenkoskey on 21 March 2015. Posted in Local

Dianne Carroll Burdick loves her work as a photographer.Photographer Dianne Carroll Burdick has a certain affinity for landscapes and Michigan-grown food. And since it's the beginning of spring, it's a perfect time to share it with others.

Through May 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE in Grand Rapids, Carroll Burdick has on display 60 hand-colored prints that are from two of her books.

A calming presence

The response from people clearly indicates a calming presence reflected in God's creation that resonates with people who live in a hurried society.

Musical Battle With A Twist

Written by Terry DeBoer on 21 March 2015. Posted in Local

Steve Bacinski, Billy Hirt, Justin White, Michael Engel.     The Battle of the Bands, a friendly competition-fundraiser for Algoma Christian School in Kent City, is back again this year – with a new wrinkle.

     “This year we’re having fan voting,” said Rob Guerin, coordinator of the March 28 event to be held at Kent City Baptist Church (see accompanying details).

     “The voting is done with a phone app we’ll share at the event,” he added.

Do You Believe? is the Best Faith-based Film I have seen

Written by Edwin L. Carpenter on 14 March 2015. Posted in Local

It occurred to me while watching "Do You Believe?" at a press screening that I was watching the best faith-based film I had seen. This movie, which opens nationally on March 20, has all the right ingredients to make it work in a powerful way. For one thing, the acting is top notch. I have seen too many Christian films that fall short on the production and quality side.

2nd Chance School Will Harness at-risk Teens thru God and Horses

Written by Paul R. Kopenkoskey on 14 March 2015. Posted in Local

Ron Silverman has reached a purchase agreement with Calvary Assembly of God church shown here.Ron Silverman is discussing the future of his faith-based school for at-risk teens when suddenly he stops in midsentence to watch 16-year-old Ty Sturgis adeptly slip a harness around a colt.

"Look at that," Silverman said, with obvious pride in his voice. "Six months ago he didn't know the front end of the horse from the back end."

Ty's life has improved beyond knowing equine skills since he started living with Silverman and his wife, Patti, in June when the Kent County Juvenile Court granted the Solon Township couple power of attorney and permanent custody of the teen.

Benefit Concert Set For Summer Praise Series

Written by Terry DeBoer on 14 March 2015. Posted in Local

Carpenter’s Cross is one of the bands to perform at the March 28 benefit.Richard Moll has already planned this summer's "Praise in the Park" Sunday night outdoor music series in downtown Rockford.

And a benefit concert set for March 28 should give the series a welcome boost.
"A couple of music groups have stepped forward and offered to help with a benefit," said Moll, founder and coordinator of the series held each summer in the lovely setting of Garden Club Park along the Rogue River in downtown Rockford.

Third Day Ready to “Lead Us Back….”

Written by Terry DeBoer on 09 March 2015. Posted in Local

Mark Lee, Mac Powell, David Carr, Tai Anderson (l. to r.)     The faith-based, pop-rock band Third Day has a new album and a new tour. And lead singer Mac Powell says he couldn’t be more excited about it.

     “We knew we wanted to present something musically different from we’ve done before,” said Powell during a conference call from Atlanta. “We wanted something new and fresh musically and lyrically.”

     The result is “Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship,” a new collection released earlier this month. The first single, the blues-touched “Soul On Fire,” is already climbing Christian music charts and provides the title for the new tour.

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