A COUPLE OF SPECIAL HOMECOMINGS!

Sunday, July 19 will be a special morning at FRC as we gather to thank God for the faithful ministry of Brian and Lori Taylor and pray His blessing over them as they begin retirement.

We're excited to welcome back former FRC Pastor Ray Tilstra, who will bring God's Word during worship, and former Youth Director Pastor Chuck Swoboda, who will be joining us and participating in a special Prayer of Gratitude & Blessing for the Taylors.

As Brian and Lori enjoy a well-deserved July vacation, you'll also begin noticing parts of their ministry being carried forward by others. While this transition is already underway, July 19 gives us the opportunity—as one church family—to pause, give thanks for their decades of faithful service, and send them into retirement with our love and prayers.

Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for a cake and punch reception as we continue the celebration together.

We hope you'll join us for this special morning!

Case File #8: EYEWITNESSES NEEDED

Over the past few weeks, we've uncovered stories, trivia, and a few highly suspicious facts about Brian and Lori's years at FRC.

But the investigation isn't complete. Some of the best stories are still in the memories of the people who lived them.

We're inviting you to help us finish the case by sharing your favorite memory of Pastor Brian, Lori, or both. Funny, meaningful, heartfelt—we'd love to include it in a memory book that will be presented to them during their retirement celebration on July 19.

📝 Pick up an official "case file" (memory sheet) at the Information Desk today and return it to the office by Tue., July 14.

If you're unable to pick one up, simply email your memory to spencer1@wi.rr.com, and we'll take it from there. Photos are welcome, too!

Every great investigation depends on reliable eyewitnesses. We hope you'll help us close the case.

LAST CHANCE MINI-GOLF STATS

• 100% of procrastinators still have until midnight tonight.
• 0% chance you'll regret an afternoon of mini-golf and free brats.
• 1 final reminder from your friendly bulletin editor. 😊

TODAY is the last day to sign up!

⛳ July 12 • Sunset Hills

🕞 Tee-Off: 3:30–4:00 PM • 🌭 FREE Brat Fry

Sign up HERE before the putter drops!

CARE PACKAGES FOR OUR DEPLOYED MARINES – What an Incredible Start!

FRC, you continue to amaze us! Thanks to your generosity, we've already received more than $1,500 to help ship care packages to Abe Swart, Caleb TeBeest, and the Marines serving alongside them. What an incredible response!

Now let's fill those boxes!

The SignUpGenius has been updated and still includes plenty of requested items that will provide practical encouragement to these Marines who have gone months without receiving mail or care packages.

Here's how you can still help:

• Shop the SignUpGenius for requested care package items. Click HERE.
• Write a note or card to encourage a Marine. A few heartfelt words can make a lasting impact.
• Continue supporting postage. Every additional dollar helps send even more boxes filled with hope and encouragement.

Thank you for helping remind these Marines that they are seen, appreciated, prayed for, and loved. Together we're sending far more than supplies—we're sending a tangible reminder of Christ's love.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The Consistory will present its recommendation regarding First Reformed Church's denominational affiliation during the worship service on Sunday, August 2. The congregation will vote on that recommendation during the 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, August 9.

If you're unable to attend on August 9, absentee ballots will be available after the August 2 service.

📈 Breaking News: The data has been updated.

July usher openings: Nearly Gone.

Newsletter editor stress level: Significantly Improved.

Thank you for helping keep our streak alive! Let's see how long we can keep this thing going!

The July / August Special offering is dedicated to these two ministry partners:

• Ben & Becca Johnson serve in Thailand, where they equip and encourage Thai pastors to plant churches that reach Thai people with the gospel. Learn more about their ministry at benandbeccajohnson.com. Ben will be visiting FRC next week (July 12th).

• Bob Abel serves with Remember Nhu, a ministry committed to ending child sex trafficking through prevention. Every year, an estimated 1.2 million children are sold into the sex trade. Remember Nhu works to stop that cycle before it begins by providing safe homes, education, and the hope of the gospel—offering children both protection today and the promise of eternal hope in Christ.

📅 Calendar Alert! The Men's Prayer Breakfast is July 11 this month (not the first Saturday). Join us at 6:00 AM at Judi's Place for breakfast, fellowship, and prayer. Sign up HERE if you're able.

Last week’s attendance was 301 and the offering was $23,296.

The May/June Special offering stands at $3,384. We’ll provide a formal breakdown between the two missions partners next week as we assure all online donations this week are added to the totals!