More Than a Building: A Vision for Ministry. A few weeks ago, we shared Brown Church Developmentâs June 22 recommendations and announced their next step: a preliminary design presentation on Vision Sunday, September 29. Between now and then, weâll share short updates to help paint the picture. Letâs begin with the why behind it all.
FRCâs Long-Term Vision is to drive long-term growth and vitalityâstrength, passion, activity, and engagementâby intentionally focusing on the spiritual health and involvement of young families. We believe that discipleship for all agesâbeginning with infants and continuing through children, students, and parentsâis essential to a thriving church. This intentional focus is often called Family Ministries.
Why is this focus so important?
This focus doesnât diminish our ministry with seasoned disciples. In fact, their mentoring, wisdom, and presence are a foundation and key support for the next generationâs growth.
Whatâs holding us back? Our current facility presents some challenges. It doesnât naturally support the kind of vibrant, family-focused ministry weâre called to create. And beyond that, we face broader operational needsâour electrical system, for example, is already maxed out. Younger families are looking for a church that actively supports faith and familyâoffering a safe childrenâs ministry, opportunities for connection, and a clear commitment to growth. We want FRC to be that church.
The Path Forward. Thatâs why the Consistory brought in Brown Church Development to help us plan wisely. Their June 22 recommendation focuses on a new Ministry Hubâa welcoming, flexible space designed to foster connection, conversation, hospitality, and spiritual growth. It's not about bigger countertopsâitâs about creating a space that reflects FRCâs heart for people. The Ministry Hub is one step toward a broader vision of faithfulness and growth. A Project TeamâJim Blok, Eric Hahn, Dean Hengst, Joel Hoffmann, Peg Lemkuil, and Pastor Bobâis helping guide this work.
We'll continue sharing updates as we approach Vision Sunday on September 29. To watch the full June 22 presentation, click here or type it in your browser: https://youtu.be/FisFATPLsY4
The Consistory & friends grabbed their shovels and set out on a high-stakes mission to tackle a slightly wild yard for someone in need. There were weeds. There was sweat. And the gal's shutdown any ideas of a leaf blower duel...
In the end⌠the team bonded, the yard shined, and no elders were harmed in this mission. Just your everyday example of faith, service, and a few sore backs in action. #ConsistoryCleanup #YardSquad #ChurchInAction
The Guest Experience⌠At our recent Grill & Chill kick-off, someone asked a powerful question: âIf one of our invited guests actually comes to worship on Sunday⌠what will their experience be when they walk in the door?â That question stuck. Studies show that visitors decide within the first 7â10 minutes whether theyâll return. That means weânot the pastor, not the musicâare their first impression. Recently, a guest told us they were only greeted by the few people who knew they were coming. Ouch.
The narthex is full most Sundaysâwhich is wonderful! But hereâs something to try: next week, pause and scan the room. Ask yourself: Are there "holy huddles" (tight clusters of familiar faces)? Are there people lingering at the edgesâmaybe not quite sure where they belong? These moments are opportunities.
While the Grill & Chill team focuses on inviting people in, we also have a chance to shape what they find once they arrive. A few small shifts can make a big difference:
đ Be Genuinely Friendly â Go beyond âhi.â Learn a name. Ask a question. Offer help.
đ Keep Your Eyes Open â Notice people standing alone, families unsure where to go, or first-time guests lingering at the edges.
đ§ Be a Guide â âCan I help you find anything?â is more powerful than pointing. Walk with them. Introduce them to someone.
Letâs be a church where no one has to wonder if theyâre welcomeâbecause they already know. Want help knowing what to say or do? Ask! Weâre in this together.
đ˘SOUNDBITES
âď¸Food Vault served 28 families this past week!
âď¸Last Weekâs Statistics: Attendance - 317 and offering - $16,758. Month-to-Date Special offering is $1,952. The June/July special offering options are đBen Johnson â serving in Thailand with Serge and/or â¤ď¸ Samaritanâs Hand â a Christ-centered addiction recovery ministry in Sheboygan. The Deacons so appreciate your dedication to helping provide additional support to various ministries!
Everyone - come join us for cookies, coffee or cold drink after the service! Just exit left out of the Sanctuary and follow people to the Fellowship Room!
10:15 AM Coffee & Cookies (Fellowship Hall)
6:30 ACTS 29
Reach & Connect Teams (6:30 PM)
9:00 Prayer Circles (Leader: Ann, Hostess: Alice)
1:30 PM Stitching for a Cause
6:30 PM Care Team Meeting
6:30 PM Organize Team Meeting
July 20th - 9am Worship: When the Storms Come (Pastor Bob) Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29
21st: Elders (6:15), Deacons (6:15) and Consistory (7:00)
22nd: Eernisse Circle (Snacks: Pam)
27th: ACTS 29
30th: Middle School Noahâs Ark Trip
2nd: Menâs Prayer Breakfast (Judiâs)
10th: ACTS 29 Brewer Game
17th: All-Church Mini-Golf Outing
24th: ACTS 29
6th: Menâs Golf Scramble
10th: Grill & Chill
17th: Bible Class & Uth Kick-offs
21st: Sunday School Kick-off
28th: Vision Sunday
Give thanks that Tim Gabrielseâs physical therapy is ahead of schedule as he continues treatment three times a week. Continue to lift up Henry Rauwerdink as he receives cancer treatments and is experiencing fatigue. Pray for Alicia Hilbelink as she slowly recovers from hip surgeryâasking especially for patience through the ongoing challenges. Keep Henry De Blaey in prayer as plans are made to support his growth and development. Sue Hartmann is scheduled for another chemo treatment this week and is grateful to have felt well recently. Remember Bob Sheehy as he heals from a recent pacemaker procedure and navigates limited mobility in his dominant (left) arm. Pray for Jeff Brusse as he completes occupational therapy and waits for elbow surgery this fall, and for Don Teunissen to gain improved mobility in his knee and for improved blood count levels.
This Weekâs Mission Partner: Nicole Opgenorth â Tesoros de Dios, Nicaragua. Nicole serves children with disabilities and their families through Tesoros de Dios. Please keep her and the ministry in prayer: