August 2024

No Longer Consumers

“Go and Do Likewise”


It’s inspiring to see how God is working in many of your lives. I’m amazed by your genuine interest in diving into God’s Word and growing closer to Jesus, and your desire to live out Christ’s teaching!


After the Youth Group mission trip at the end of July, I’ve had time to reflect on the role of service in the Christian life. Many of you have embraced opportunities to put others first, and it’s wonderful to hear how the blessings of serving others often far exceed what we give.


As followers of Christ, we are called to this very life of service. Jesus demonstrated selfless service first before calling us to do the same. In John 13:14-15, after washing His disciples' feet, Jesus says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”


However, we don’t serve to earn God’s favor; we already have it! He died to pay for our sins. He lived a perfect life where we never could. As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”


Christ empowers us to live a life of service. We are called to be more than consumers; we are on a mission to bring the Kingdom of Jesus into our spheres of influence. With His help, let’s go and do likewise!


Stepping Out Opportunities


In light of our call to serve, here are a few ways you can get involved at RRC.


  • Mike Fisk is seeking volunteers to help with the audio and visual aspects of Sunday services. Whether you’re interested in sound, ProPresenter, or cameras, Mike can help you get started. Additionally, if you play an instrument or enjoy singing, the worship team can always use your talents. Reach out to him at mike@rockfordrc.org


  • Emily Cutter needs volunteers for KidLife Club on Wednesday evenings. Opportunities include teaching, assisting, or helping with setting up and managing kids. Contact her at rrccm@rockfordrc.org


  • Emillie Clayton is looking for people to contribute to the welcoming atmosphere at Rockford Reformed. If you’re interested in helping with Volunteers in Service (VIS), KidLife, Sunday morning coffee, or other hospitality roles, she’d love to hear from you. Email her at emillie@rockfordrc.org.


  • Stay on the lookout for service opportunities at church, like pulling weeds, general maintenance, or landscaping. Your help can make our facilities more inviting!


Upcoming Events

End-of-Summer Pool Party


Join us at the Brownells' for a final summertime gathering! This is our last chance to spend time together as a bigger group before we welcome in a new school year and say goodbye to summer break. Dinner will be provided, and there will be plenty of opportunities to chat, play yard games, or swim in the pool! Please bring a towel and maybe a lawn chair.


Date: Friday, August 23

Time: 4 PM (Dinner will be shared at 6 PM)

Location: Brownell Residence


We look forward to seeing you there. Feel free to invite non-RRC friends who are looking to be part of a welcoming community that seeks to know and embody Christ more!


Please RSVP to tim.v@rockfordrc.org at your earliest convenience so we can prepare enough food and drinks for everyone.


Bible Study


We’ve been working our way through “The Story of God,” and it’s been great to see how God’s fingerprints are on every page of Scripture. We will be meeting next at 7 PM on August 13. Let’s continue to discover God in His Story!

Future Opportunity

CrossCon25 - CROSS CON25 Trailer


We are exploring the idea of attending CrossCon25, a transformative worship conference empowering young adults for global impact, in Jesus’ name. It features speakers like David Platt, John Piper, Trip Lee, and Kevin DeYoung.


Date: January 2-4, 2025 (driving down on January 1)


Location: Louisville, Kentucky


Current Estimated Cost: $400 (potentially significantly lower with fundraising and alternative lodging options)


If you’re interested, please let me know. The sooner we have a rough estimate of attendees, we can gauge the feasibility of this, plan for it, and potentially reduce costs through fundraising.


If you are interested in coming, I need to know BY THE END of this month. I plan to start working on fundraising, reserving hotels, and purchasing the event tickets.


Additionally, if you have friends who are interested from outside of RRC, we may be able to include them with us at the event's reduced group fee! Have them contact me as well.


Contact Information


Tim VanderZwaag

tim.v@rockfordrc.org

616-821-8767


view past newsletters here


“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)


Rockford Reformed Church
4890 11 Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341
616-866-2308

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