Hello Church,

Throughout Lent we have been seeking together. We have asked powerful questions of ourselves, of God and of our community. We have confessed our sins and have heard again and again the faithfulness of our God and the abundance of grace that flows from Jesus.

Now we are in the midst of Holy Week when we journey with Jesus through his last days.

During this week worshippers experience some of the most extreme emotions possible. We move from the joy and communal energy of Palm Sunday to the crowd shouting crucify him on Friday. We move from the intimacy and abundant love of the Last Supper to the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. We move from the noise of the crowds on Palm Sunday and Good Friday to the silence of Holy Saturday. The silence of death and endings.

And finally, after all this, we arise on Sunday morning. We find an empty tomb and experience a range of wonder, hope, and joy.

Holy week as a whole is a strange experience and a roller coaster of emotions. Some of us will feel more attuned and aligned with various aspects of the week depending on our life’s circumstances. 

Yet, that is the beauty and the truth of an incarnational God. God is with us in it all. And we join together in community to be present to one another in it all. Holy Week not only helps us to know Jesus more deeply it also gives us practice in communal proclamation, in lament, in love and service, in hope and joy and each day reminds us to look to God through it all and trust in God’s action and love. 

May this Holy Week stir you. May it nourish you. And may it deepen your trust in the God is, was, and is to come.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Judith

Holy Week Services

Mark your calendars for these special services!

• PALM SUNDAY: March 29, 9:30 & 11am | We will celebrate with palm branches, a special song from the children, and a youth fundraiser brunch following both services.
• MAUNDY THURSDAY: April 2, 6:30pm | Communion, scripture, prayer stations and quiet meditation centered around the Last Supper.
• GOOD FRIDAY: April 3, 6:30pm | A joint service with Thornapple Community Church with a presentation from Master Arts Theatre based on the seven last words of Christ.
• EASTER SUNDAY: April 5, 9:30 & 11am | Join us as we celebrate Christ the Risen Lord! We’ll enjoy special music from the choir and have a special Easter Egg Hunt for kids following the 9:30 service.

Combined Service: Camp Sunday

Sunday, April 19 | 10:30am

We will be having a single, combined worship service on Sunday, April 19 to celebrate the life-changing ministry that happens at Camp Crystal. The youth will be helping to lead worship and Michael Dirksen will be sharing about how camp impacts the lives of our church's youth. Wear your Camp Crystal gear and join us in the Sanctuary at 10:30 on April 19!

Camp Crystal Summer 2026

Camp registration for Summer 2026 is open now and the price increases May 1, so don't delay! There is a camp for everyone: older children and teens can enjoy overnight camp with their peers, and camps like Family Camp and Day Camp allow all individuals of all ages and families of any shape or size to experience camp.

Mulch Madness Spring Work Day

Sunday, April 26 | Following the 9:30 Service

We’re going to have a “Mulch Madness” spring clean-up immediately following the 9:30 service. Wear your work clothes to church and lend a hand with tasks like mulching and weeding as we get ready for warmer weather. Coffee and refreshments will be provided!

2026 Stewardship Campaign: Building Up Faithful Lives

In April we will begin our stewardship campaign. This is a time when members of our community discern how much they will give financially in the coming year and when church leaders and staff write the budget for our ministry and mission. The stewardship campaign also provides an opportunity for us to celebrate some of the good work that has faithfully been done through CCC in the last year. Please join us in prayer as we plan for the year ahead and budget the good work God has called us to of serving Christ, Communion and Community. Be on the lookout for stewardship updates, for stories shared in worship, and our stewardship letter. 

Easter Special Offering

We will be joining other congregations in collecting a special Easter offering to support the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Your gift supports ministries that embody resurrection hope and God's limitless love by supporting and mentoring new leaders, providing health and social service to those in need, responding with care when conflict is present internationally and climate challenges compound our concern. These ministries also support chaplains, equip ministers and elders, and sustain the church and our witness in the world through stewardship education. Special offering envelopes will be available in the church entryways and office through Easter Sunday. Write your check to Cascade Christian Church with "Easter Special Offering" in the memo. Thank you for giving generously!

Congrats, Crockpot Cook-Off Winners!

Thank you to all who participated in the Crockpot Cook-Off last month, whether you brought a Crockpot or just enjoyed and voted on your favorites! There were many delicious entries and the youth were able to raise $700 to help make their events and outings more accessible to all students. Adam Homan's "Prodigal Pudding" won Best Name, Kim Armour's Cherry Chocolate Cake won Best Dessert, and John Duchon's "Potato Blaze" took home the prize for Best Appetizer/Entree.

Camp Crystal Work Weekend

NEW DATE: Friday, May 15 - Saturday, May 16

We are seeing some exciting new developments at Crystal that will bring a new playground, trail system, and construction projects on the dining hall, all of which means we need a small army of people to help us get the camp ready for the summer months. We have tasks for EVERYONE of all ages and abilities! Come up for the whole weekend, or just for the day on Saturday. Lodging is free both Friday and Saturday nights if you want to stay overnight.

The youth group will be going up Friday and coming back on Saturday, and the church will be driving up another van there and back on Saturday. Click the button below to sign up to help, and if you would like to ride along or carpool, contact the church office. If you have any questions, contact Michael Dirksen.

Regional Disciples Women's Book Club

Tuesday, April 14 | 7:30-9:00pm

Join other women across the Living Waters Region (MI-IL-WI) online for good books and good conversation on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe facilities the discussion and all women are welcome to participate. We read a different book each month, so if you miss a session just read the next book and join us again. This month's book is I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. Contact Beth (bethr@cciwdisciples.org) to be added to the email list to receive the Zoom invitation each month. 

Cascade Christian Golf League

Cascade Christian Golf League begins April 29th and runs 16 weeks through August 12th. The league plays Wednesday evenings at Saskatoon Golf Club starting at 5:24pm. This is a mixed league of all skill levels. If you are interested in joining or becoming a sub for the golf league, please contact Mark Pray (m.pray1013@gmail.com | 616-638-3398). Space is limited, so please don’t delay!

Master Arts Theatre: Arsenic and Old Lace

See Cascade Christian's own Ron Hurd in Master Arts Theatre's production of the crime comedy Arsenic and Old Lace, presented for three weekends from April 17-May 2. Tickets are $22 ($19.50 for seniors) and are available at masterarts.org, or by calling 616-455-1001.

Other Upcoming Events

• DAYS FOR GIRLS: Saturday, April 11, 1-4pm | Come ready to pin, cut, sew or serge as we make Days for Girls menstrual care kit components for those in need around the globe. No experience is necessary, we will show you step by step! Bring your sewing machine or serger in good working order if you have one. Contact Diane Phelps for more information.
• SOUL WARMERS: Mondays, April 13 & 27, 2:00-4:00pm / April 6 & 20, 6:30-8:00pm | Knitting, crocheting, and fellowship in Room 112. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome!
• SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCH: Thursday, April 16, 12:00pm | Enjoy fellowship and a delicious lunch in Centennial Hall. There is a $5 suggested donation for those who are able.
• BOARD MEETING: Thursday, April 23, 6:00pm | All are invited to join the board meeting in Centennial Hall, or participate online via Zoom. Contact the church office for the link.
• GAME NIGHT: Friday, April 24, 7:00-9:00pm | Bring your own drink and a snack to share and meet in the Chapel Basement. Contact Debbie Jones with any questions.

Parents' Night Out

Saturday, April 4 | 5:30-8:30pm

Parents, let us handle care for kids from birth through 5th grade while you enjoy an evening to yourselves! Kids will have a blast with games, food, and a movie. Click the button below to register by Friday 4/3 by noon.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday, April 5 | Following the 9:30 service

Plan to join us after the 9:30 service on Easter Sunday for a special Easter Egg Hunt where children can search for eggs filled with candy as well as tokens for special prizes.

Family Movie Night

Friday, April 17 | 6:00-8:00pm

Join us for a family movie night here at church as we watch "David" on the big screen in Centennial Hall. The movie follows the story of David as he embarks on a journey from beyond the shadow of Goliath to prove to his people that true power lies not in a kingship but in faith and freedom. Feel free to bring camping chairs, blankets, and pillows to get cozy and we’ll provide the popcorn!

Weekly Gatherings

Sunday School | 9:30 Service

We will be engaging with the gospel texts that correspond with Pastor Judith's sermons. Each week we start by sharing how our week has been, then dive into the scripture, play a game connected to the story and wrap up with snack and prayer.

Kids Club | Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join us as we have fun and learn about God together. We expand on what we're learning in Sunday school and enjoy a time in the middle of the week to wind down and be creative and active together.

Please note: There will be no Kids Club on April 8 due to Spring Break!

Friday Fun Night

Friday, April 17 | 7:00-9:00pm

All Middle & High School students are invited to a night of food, games, and fun! Bring your friends and join us in the High School Room!

Save the Date: Bowling Outing

Sunday, May 3 | 12:00-3:00pm

Join us for bowling after Sunday School the first Sunday in May. Bring $15 for bowling and money for snacks. Lunch will be covered!

Weekly Gatherings

Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm

Wednesday Night Youth Group starts with a Bible study followed by time to hang out together with snacks and games. We hope to see you there each Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm.

Please note: Due to Spring Break, there will be no Wednesday Night Youth Group on April 8, but we will have an extended youth group on April 1, meeting from 6:30-9:30pm.

Sundays | 10:45am

Every Sunday from 10:45am-12:00pm we have Sunday School in the High School Youth Room. We hope you'll join us!

• Continued prayers of sympathy and comfort to the families of Terri Wing, Butch Dykhuizen, Jane Vomsteeg, Bonnie Merritt, Anne Whitford, who all died last month. Terri's service will be Saturday, May 9 at 10:30am; Butch's will be Saturday, April 18 (time TBD); Jane's will be Saturday, July 11 at 1pm, all here at the church.
• Prayers for Chuck & Barb Dykhuizen also in the death of their nephew-in-law and Mike & Sue O'Brien in the death of Mike's brother.
• Katrina Cripps was hospitalized last month and is awaiting an MRI and follow-up with neurology.
• Bill Schaefer would like to thank the church for the prayers, thoughts, and cards he received during his recovery from a stroke in March. He is doing well and thanks God, his family, his church family, and modern medicine for his recovery!
• We rejoice as Terry Wing made a recommitment of faith on Sunday, March 22.
• We continue to pray for those with cancer, including: Chuck Bacle, Paul Block, Mike O’Brien, Irv Newberg, Chris Soyka, Sharon Sleeman, Neil Topliffe

Those in Care Centers:

• Don Duiven (Sunrise)
• Angie Gilder (Raybrook)
• Fay Johnson (Sentinel Pointe)
• Barbara Peters (Sunrise)
• Dorothy Rieger (StoryPoint, Rockford)
• Shirley Ross

• Doug Miller (Clark on Keller Lake)
• Ellie Austin (Sentinel Pointe)
• Dennis England (Sentinel Pointe)
• John & Marcia Hamstra (Commonwealth, Wyoming)
• Ruth Gehl (Sentinel Pointe)

If you have a prayer concern or joy you'd like added to the list, please contact the church office.

Nathan VandeVusse - April 1

Bella Noordyke - April 3

Diego Nevarez - April 6

Kevin Murphy - April 6

Tim McGillicuddy - April 8

Karen Clapp - April 10

Isabella Lathrop - April 10

Mel Bauman - April 11

Ron Hurd - April 12

Kathy Hurd - April 12

Bonnie Blazer - April 13

Shannon Parsons - April 14

Marcia Slater - April 15

Gavin Noordyke - April 15

Mike Forton - April 16

Jane Klein - April 17

Karen Robertson - April 24

Kevin Hanson - April 28

Ryley Olson - April 28

Justin James - April 29

Doris Burgess - April 30

Sue O'Brien - April 30

Todd Slater - April 30

Contact the church office to add your birthday to the monthly list!