Hello Church,

The new year is often a time for reflecting on the past year and hoping and planning for the one coming. 2025 was a big year for Seth and me and for CCC. We said yes to you all and you all said yes to us and God brought us together and has called us to be partners in ministry. It has been just over 4 months together and I have loved getting to know many of you. I have felt the Spirit move as we worship together and I have felt energized as I learn more about the ministries of the church and how you all are called to serve Christ and community here at Cascade. 

A little over a year ago, the board recognized that giving and participation had been going down for a few years. They knew that this downward trend could not continue if this church was going to serve Christ, communion and community for another 160 years. So, the board decided now is the time to dream and to strategize and plan for the future. One of the ways the board chose to facilitate this time is by investing in church consultants who could offer some help and insight and be partners with us as we work for the future of this church. So, with that they did an extensive search and learned about various consultants and decided to bring in Unstuck Church. The Unstuck Group will come to CCC on January 14th and again in February to meet with a group of 12 lay leaders and staff and will be working with us for the whole year. 

Why church consultants? It is helpful to have people from outside a system to observe and bring clarity to what is going on in an organization. They see things that we are unable to because we are a part of CCC and because we are too close to and too familiar to the way things are. The consultants will help us back up and see the bigger picture. They will also facilitate conversations about our priorities and who we are and what ministry God has called us to do. Lastly, they will give us some resources and support to follow through with some of our goals.

So, how can you be a part of this process:

Pray - pray for this process, for Cascade Christian Church, for our leaders and for the Unstuck Consultants. Pray that our time together is fruitful, energizing and clarifying. Pray for the next best steps for the church - for unity and direction.

Be curious - Ask a team member or board member how the assessment went and what was life giving about the meeting with Unstuck. If you notice something that is changing around the church, ask about it. These conversations can help us act with intention and help the staff and leaders communicate well with the whole church.

Trust - that the leaders of the church are acting faithfully and trying to follow God and lead the church toward the future God promises for us. And if you are struggling with trust and concerned about changes, I encourage you to talk with a leader involved. We are in this together and we are all wanting the ministry of Cascade Christian Church to be strong and vibrant.

Celebrate - what we pay attention to affects so much of what we observe, what we experience and what we share with others. I encourage you all to be on the lookout for good things happening at CCC and to celebrate and share what you see!

One of my favorite quotes from Thomas Merton, a monk, activist and mystic, is about journeying together. He writes, “You do not need to know precisely what is happening or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope” (Thomas Merton). We don’t know where this process with Unstuck will take us, we don’t know where the Spirit is going to show up and take us, but the leaders of CCC are trying to be present to the moment and embrace the challenges with courage, faith and hope.

I am grateful for the board, I am grateful for our wonderful staff, and I am grateful for this congregation and the ways God has brought us together to spread God's love to our community.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Judith

New Adult Sunday School Class

Sundays starting January 18 | 10:45am

The people have spoken and we will be studying Kierkegaard's work on existential faith and love in action. The first Sunday will be January 18th and the class will run for 10 weeks. We will meet following the 9:30 service in Room 226 of the education building. Each class will be mostly self-contained (in that if you miss a class you won't feel left out), but the classes will also be live on Zoom every Sunday and a link to a recording of each class will be provided afterwards. We do ask that if you are a parent in need of childcare and would like to attend that you let the office know so that we can have childcare ready. Lastly, the first class will have a very special surprise guest! Don't miss it!

Meet & Greets with Pastor Judith

Pastor Judith would love to get to know more people at CCC! She has been able to make many connections these first 4 months but there are still many members she has only waved hello to on Sunday mornings. If you have not had a chance to get to know her and for her to get to know you these are some opportunities to sit down and enjoy some food and get to know one another in a smaller setting. And you might even get to know another member well too! Please let us know you plan to come so we know how much food to prepare.

• Sunday, January 18, 12:00pm | Light lunch in Centennial Hall
• Friday, January 23, 5:30pm | During Parents' Night Out, enjoy Seth's chili!
• Tuesday, January 27, 6:00pm | Meetup over dinner at a restaurant (location TBA)
• Saturday, January 31, 2:00pm | Coffee and cookies in Centennial Hall

Diversity & Inclusion Special Meeting

Saturday, January 17 | 10:30am

The Diversity & Inclusion group invites you to join them in participating in a special workshop hosted by the Service, Learning, Advocacy, and Mission (SLAM) ministry of our region. We will listen to a selection of recorded sermons and speeches by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Eli Rolón Jeong will offer a reflective response and facilitate a guided discussion as we explore the ongoing relevance of MLK’s message today. Join us in the Coffee House at 10:30am, and the workshop will start at 11:00am.

DaySpring Chorale

Sunday, January 25

Dayspring Chorale of NorthPointe Christian Schools will be joining us again this year to sing at both services on Sunday, January 25. This choral group of high school students have brought our congregation so much joy over the last several years. You won't want to miss their beautiful music at this special Sunday!

Soup & Sandwich Lunch

Thursday, January 15 | Noon

Join us for lunch and fellowship in Centennial Hall. Our speaker this month will be Leigh Vergberg, Brach Outreach and Programming Specialist for the Cascade and Caledonia branches of the Kent District Library. She will be sharing about the resources, programs, and services offered by our recently-renovated library!

Regional Disciples Women's Book Club

Tuesday, January 13 | 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. Upcoming books include Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (January), Weyward by Emilia Hart (February), and The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez (March). Contact Beth to be added to the email list to receive the Zoom invitation each month. 

Other Upcoming Events

• DAYS FOR GIRLS: Saturday, January 10, 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.
• SOUL WARMERS: Mondays, January 12 & 28, 2:00-4:00pm | Knitting, crocheting, and fellowship in Room 112. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome!
• BOARD MEETING: Thursday, January 15, 6:00pm | This month's meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact the church office for the link, all are welcome!
• GAME NIGHT: Friday, January 23, 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.
• VETERANS GROUP: Wednesday, January 28, 10:00am | All veterans are invited to the Coffee House for coffee and fellowship together on the last Wednesday of each month.

Camp Crystal Conservation Easement

We are thrilled to announce that 70 of the 100 acres of Crystal Conference Center has officially been placed under a Conservation Easement — an important step that both preserves God’s creation and benefits our ministry for years to come. In exchange for the conservation easement, the camp received $625,000 from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and is in the final steps of securing an additional $500,000 from the surrounding cottage owners. These funds will all be used to improve and enhance Crystal Conference Center, including various repairs and updates and a new trail system. Click the button below for more details and a full report about the Conservation Easement.

Advent Recap

Thank you so much to all who helped us have a wonderful Advent season. Thank you to our children and families who led in the Advent candle lighting each week, to those who volunteered their time at the Christmas Craft Workshop and Advent Brunch (and to Andrea and Michael in their leadership of those events), to Ron Hurd, the choir, and narrators who presented the Good News of Christmas so beautifully in the cantata, and to the many others who helped as deacons, elders, musicians, readers, decorators, and more.

Nearly Six-Hundred Christmas Cards Sent

Volunteers from Cascade Christian Church sent 591 Christmas cards to residents of the Veterans Home, clients at Degage, active duty military, the Cascade Fire Department, and church members and friends who are homebound and in care centers. Thanks to Carol Tiemeyer, Pat Carew, Jane Wood, Diane Phelps, Debbie Jones, and Susan Lockhart who signed all the cards and helped share the joy and love of Christmas with so many folks in our community!

Congrats, Gaylord Scholarship Recipients

On Sunday, December 28 we were able to present the Jonathan Gaylord College Scholarship to five recipients: Grace Powers, Matt Willemin, Claire Froumis, Aidan Roustan, and Emma Dunn. We proudly congratulate these students and invite you to join us in praying for them as they continue their education and prepare for whatever lies beyond. The Gaylord Scholarship Fund was established in 1972 to memorialize the life of Jonathan Gaylord, son of Reverend Raymond and Jeannette Gaylord, and the scholarship is awarded to current college students preparing for careers in ministry or service vocations, who are members of Cascade Christian. Special thanks to the Kingsland Family whose investments in the Christian Church Foundation make these scholarships possible.

Operation Santa Claus Wraps Up Another Great Year!

The OSC team would like to thank our church family for the huge support of Operation Santa Claus again this year. We could not do it without all the financial gifts as well as our many volunteers. 68 families with 188 children received gifts selected just for them, a box of food staples and a food gift card for their holiday meals.

In addition, senior gift bags were filled and delivered to 162 homes, remembering the older folks in our midst. We appreciate you helping us to make it happen!

Caribbean Children's Foundation Update

Nora Leon of the Caribbean Children's Foundation shared an update as she and her husband prepare to return to Haiti in mid-January. Our SAMO Committee supports Nora and the Caribbean Children's Foundation in their work, and we invite you to read the update and join us in prayer and support of their work serving children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

November Drives

Thank you for the overwhelmingly generous outpouring of food, coats, and gloves during the month of November. Your many kids/youth gloves went to families through Operation Santa Claus and your 41 coats helped those in need through Offender Success and In The Image. We were also able to provide a total of 624 pounds of food to the local food bank to support them as they served the community through the pause in SNAP benefits and the holiday season. THANK YOU for your generosity!

Weather Policy Reminder

• If Forest Hills Schools cancel their evening programs or are closed for the day, all church evening programs, meetings or activities will be canceled.
• If weather concerns develop during the day, a decision will be made by 3:00pm for that evenings’ programs, meetings or activities.
• In the event that worship services are cancelled by the Pastor and board chair due to weather concerns, that information will be posted on Wood TV8 and WZZM TV13, the church's Facebook page and website, and in a church-wide email.

Parents' Night Out

Friday, January 23 | 5:30-8:30pm

Parents, let us handle care for kids from birth through 5th grade while you enjoy an evening to yourselves! This month's PNO also coincides with a Meet & Greet with Pastor Judith, so parents are invited to stop over to the Coffee House for some chili and good conversation. Kids will have a blast with games, food, and a movie. Click the button below to register by Thursday 1/22 by noon.

Weekly Gatherings

Sunday School | 9:30 Service

In Sunday School, we’re learning all about Jesus and His miracles! Each week we start by sharing how our week has been, then dive into the scripture, play a game connected to the story, and watch a fun video from Superbook. We 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.

SpringHill Winter Retreat

January 9-11

Our youth group is heading to SpringHill for their winter retreat! This is a great time for them to grow in relationship with each other, and grow in their faith through small group sessions and worship with a live band and featured speaker. They'll also have lots of fun participating in activities like snow tubing, ice skating, a ropes course, laser tag, paintball, and swimming.

If your student has not yet signed up and is interested in attending, contact Michael Dirksen. Those who are attending should bring:

• Sleeping bag and pillow 
• Towel and toiletries 
• Bible, pen, and notebook 
• Warm winter gear (hat, mittens, snow pants, boots, etc.) 
• Water Bottle
• Games
• Bathing suit or swim trunks for indoor pool 
• Money for extra activities and/or for the Trading Post

Ski Trip

Saturday, February 7

We will be going up to Caberfae for the day. Please plan on meeting at church at 7am, and we'll be back around 9pm. The cost is $80 for the day, contact Michael Dirksen if money is an issue.

Weekly Gatherings

Wednesdays | 6:30-8:00pm

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

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!

• Jane Scholtens fell and broke several ribs, and is now recovering at home.
• Bill Schaefer's surgery on December 3 went well.
• Prayers of sympathy to the families of Doris McNeely, Pam Dykhuizen, Margie Duiven who all died last month. Prayers of comfort also to Ron Osgood, Mark & Kathy Bird-DeYoung, and Jane Scholtens, who all lost family members in December.
• Prayers for Joann Guy, Pastor Judith’s grandmother, who is having health complications and has entered hospice care.
• We continue to pray for those with cancer, including: Chuck Bacle, Mike O’Brien, Irv Newberg, Chris Soyka, Sharon Sleeman, Wendy Johnston, Neil Topliffe

Those in Care Centers:

• Don Duiven (Sunrise)
• Angie Gilder (Raybrook)
• Fay Johnson (Sentinel Pointe)
• Barb Bryant (Sentinel Pointe)
• Bonnie Merritt (Holland Home, Raybrook)
• Barbara Peters (Sunrise)

• Dorothy Rieger (StoryPoint, Rockford)
• Shirley Ross
• Doug Miller (Clark on Keller Lake)
• Ellie Austin (Sentinel Point)
• Dennis England (Sentinel Point)
• John & Marcia Hamstra (Commonwealth, Wyoming)

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

Lucy Powers - January 3

Evangeline Cripps - January 3

Matthew Weber - January 7

John Eck - January 10

Jordan Duchon - January 10

Marilyn Berkeley - January 13

Hannah Gomez - January 15

Cathy Blake - January 17

Jacqueline Sleeman - January 20

Steven Blazer - January 21

Luke Noordyke - January 22

Gabi Sleeman - January 22

Gracie Sleeman - January 22

DeeDee Wilcox - January 25

Luanne Koessel - January 28

Leah Schwinkendorf - January 28

Maisee Holes - January 29

Dorothy Rieger - January 31

Terry Blake - January 31

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