Mark Your Calendar

1.11 Baptism

Education Hour & Engage

1.12 Kids’ Food Basket – 12 PM

1.17

Mobile Food Truck at Cesar Chavez Elementary– 8 AM

1.23-25

All Church Retreat at Camp Roger

2.1

Communion by Intinction Congregational Breakfast

2.7

Pizza Night

2.14 Presbytery Meeting hosted by

FHPC

2.14 Griffins Hockey

2.18

Ash Wednesday

Forest Hills Presbyterian Church NEWSLETTER

January 2015

Happy New Year!

I can’t believe I have been with you now for one full year. This year has been filled with many new adventures for me and for you. I have sold a home in Harbor Springs and moved into a rental house. Then out of the rental house into a new home in Caledonia. Moved into a new office here at the church, met a wonderful new staff and new smiling faces here at Forest Hills Church. For you, you have seen some changes in our worship service, heard about a new structure for our Session, welcomed in several new members and the list goes on and on. Thank you for your patience and love in welcoming these changes including little old me. This new year looks to bring some additional excitement as we are planning a new mission trip in February to Give Kids the World in Florida. We will go and serve families who are struggling with a child or children with life threatening illnesses. We have added an additional Saturday of serving at the Mobile Food Pantry in Grand Rapids, with other opportunities on the horizon. We have new elders and deacons who have answered the call to serve and I am excited to work and serve alongside them in service to our Lord through this church. On Sunday January 11, we begin a new series of messages on understanding our God-Given S.H.A.P.E. and how we can use that for God’s glory. Our worship team is busy planning our Lenten journey together, leading us up to that grand Easter Sunday worship celebration. Thank you again for your love and support for a wonderful year of ministry together. Shalom, Jim

Psalms 31 In You, O LORD,

I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed;

Deliver me in Your righteousness.

Kids Hope USA: This month we are collecting Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education for Kettle Lake Elementary! Be sure to clip and save these labels off of various food, clothing and paper products, and place the labels in the container on the Missions slat wall in the Narthex. Each label is worth 10 cents…they add up quickly. Lists of products with these labels are on the Missions slat wall. What an easy way to show support for our Kids Hope school!

Food Distribution at the Mobile Food Truck: The Mobile Food Truck sponsored by FHPC will be at Cesar Chavez Elementary School, 1205 Grandville Ave., SW, on Saturday, January 17, 8:15 – 10 AM. We need 10 -12 volunteers to unload food in the truck and set up for distribution. We will be distributing baked goods, produce and some dairy products. There will be some clean up after the distribution is finished. We welcome families to come and serve. Sign up on our website, www.fhpcusa.org.

Kids’ Food Basket – Monday, January 12, 12 – 1 PM. 10 volunteers are needed to pack sack suppers for children who would not have supper without them. Kids’ Food Basket is located at 2055 Oak Industrial Pkwy. Can you spare an hour? Sign up on the Missions slat wall.

ACCESS 6 Food Collection – The first Sunday of every month. Please remember to bring donations of non-perishable food items for the local food pantry.

Warm Up America – Thank you to all who knitted squares for afghans last year. In November, 78 squares were taken to the Warm Up American meeting and they were received with gratitude. Our next meeting is Sat. January 17 at 10 AM, at St. Matthews. Everyone is welcome to join us, let me know if you are interested. Please keep knitting squares for this new year. The yarn basket will be kept full. If you have any questions, call or talk to Sandra Suarez. Our afghan squares are much appreciated!!

The Hospice of Michigan Flower Program needs your unwanted vases. Drop them off in the box in the coat room. Thank you!

MISSIONS Prayer Concerns

In Medical Facilities Don Breckenridge (Heartland Health Care, 2320 E. Beltline, GR 49548, Rm. 604) Recovering at Home Paul Slack Bill Leete Barb Raby Renee Donovan In Retirement Facilities JoAnn Strayhorn (Sunrise Assisted Livng) Barbara Sjoerdsma (Clark Retirement) Eleanor Vollwiler (Maple Creek) Sympathy Randy DeNeff and family on the passing of Mike DeNeff, Dec. 24. A memorial Service will be held at FHPC on Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 AM. Other Ed Gerger, in Porter Hills under Hospice Care Walt White (Don Brown’s brother), diagnosed with cancer. Julie Caris, breast cancer. Harry Jones’ sister in Hospice care. Vicky (friend of Bruce & Leslie Bonney), undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Dr. Todd Emery (friend of Dean Downs) recovering from 4 surgeries for colon cancer. Members of our Armed Forces Christina Hindley (friend of Anita Brocker), inoperable cancer. Gabbi, Granddaughter of Larry and Renee Donovan. (Gabbi suffers from Congenital Ullrich Muscular Dystrophy.)

Parish Nurse News Corner ///

New Year’s Resolutions: Blessings to you in this New Year!! January is observed as time of the year to take a look at how we are living our lives. Do we have a healthy body, mind, and spirit balance? Many of us are considering what our New Year’s Resolutions will be for this year. Prayerfully, we hope to accomplish the goals we feel God leading us to.

Here are a few guidelines for making steps towards accomplishing our New Year’s Resolutions:

• Don’t neglect your body – and then wonder, “What happened to my health?”

• Taking care of yourself is not being selfish. • Listen to yourself…list what nurtures you. • List what is keeping you from starting to

make changes. • Long-term goals happen with daily

changes.

Often, our attempts for more outdoor exercise this time of the year are met with the challenge of colder weather, and precipitation in the air. Getting outside even for a short time, each day gives us a chance for some exercise and to catch some sunlight, important in our body’s production of Vitamin D and in helping to ward off the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Getting light exposure first thing in the morning is helpful in beating winter fatigue, as light aids in “turning off” the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. Seasonal Affective Disorder:

SAD is more common this time of the year in northern latitudes, when the day’s are shorter and cloudier, so, we are exposed to much less sunlight. Common symptoms of SAD include:

• Depression. • Fatigue…the feeling of “wanting to

hibernate like a bear”. • Mood changes. • Carbohydrate cravings. • Difficulty concentrating.

For helpful resources about SAD and treatment strategies, see: “Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder”, by Norman Rosenthal, MD. 2012. www.mayoclinic.org/seasonalaffectivedisorder

“Seasonal Affective Disorder: More than Just the Winter Blues.”, Dr. Thomas Kuhn, MD. Physician Lecture Series of Holland Hospital. January 22, 2014. Found on You Tube.

Winter Walking Safety Tips: Since we are talking about getting outdoors more, it is always a healthy reminder to focus on tips for winter walking safety:

• Use caution when walking on slipper areas in parking lots and sidewalks.

• Wear weather-appropriate shoes and boots with traction and low, wide heels.

• Don’t rush…take shorter steps and walk flat footed. Keep one hand free for balance.

NOTE of CHANGE: The Health Ministry Team has moved the dates of the Temple Triathlon Healthy Movement program to the spring months. Look for information in the February newsletter. Blessings as you discern healthy goals for this coming New Year. I like the thought that these goals are not rules, but as author, Ann Voskamp writes, are like scaffolding for the days that we struggle to move forward.

Shalom! Nancy “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29: 11a NIV

Are you wondering how God made you a unique person? What your spiritual gifts are and how you can use them to live a joy filled life? On January 11th, Pastor Jim is beginning a new series of messages titled: “How God has S.H.A.P.E.D. YOU for Significance.” Come join us and invite a friend. Service begins at 9:30 AM every Sunday. We are hosting Presbytery here at our church on February 14 from 9-noon and WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We will need volunteers to meet and greet, set up tables, assist in serving lunch etc. If you are available and would like to offer your assistance, please see Steve Volkhardt or call the church office. Thank you so much. Pizza Night – There will be a meeting of the Pizza Night Team Sunday, Jan. 11, in the Oasis following the worship service. Please come and see where you can help in assisting with Pizza Night preparations. Hunky Dories – Saturday, January 17, 6:00 PM, at Jeanne Waller’s home, hosted by Audrey Sparks and Jeanne Waller. “Staying Strong & Fit during the Aging Process,” presented by Barb Hoogenboom. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. RSVP to Jeanne. All are welcome! Mizpahs – Saturday, January 24, 3:00 PM, at Joann Herron’s home. Travelogue – Iceland, presented by Sharon Brinks. Pizza and ice cream will be served. RSVP by Wed., Jan. 21 to Ina or Joann. All are welcome! Annual Reports from church leaders and committee chairs are due in the church office by January 15, 2015. Please email your report to office@fhpcusa.org or copy it to a flash drive and drop it off in the church office. Thank you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS The Hospitality Team and Board of Deacons are excited to announce a new program which began on January 4 - VALET PARKING! This program is for members and guests who are in need of a little extra assistance. All you have to do is pull up to the covered walkway and a member of the Team will park your car for you, return the keys and then retrieve your car after the service. We are hoping those who need it will take advantage of this service.

Adult Ed Winter/Spring Schedule

Track 1, 10:45 AM, Bread House January 1.11 - Your Favorite Christmas Carol 1.18 - Rudyard Kipling’s “If” 1.25 - TBD February 2.8 - Herm Keizer 2.15 - Herm Keizer 2.22 - TBD March 3.8 - Living through the decades, 30’s 3.14 - Living through the decades, 40’s 3.22 - Living through the decades, 50’s 3.29 - Living through the decades, 60’s April 4.12 - Living through the decades, 70’s 4.19 - Easter – No Class Track 2, 10:45 AM, Vineyard January 1.11 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage 1.18 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage 1.25 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage February 2.8 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage 2.15 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage 2.22 - Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage March 3.8 - Living through the decades, 30’s 3.14 - Living through the decades, 40’s 3.22 - Living through the decades, 50’s 3.29 - Living through the decades, 60’s April 4.12 - Living through the decades, 70’s 4.19 - Easter – No Class

PRAYER UPDATES

Tuesday, January 6 5:30 PM New Elder Meeting / Lounge 7:00 PM Session / Bread House 7:00 PM Hidden Hills Neighborhood Assoc. / Lounge Wednesday, January 7 7:45 AM Men’s Breakfast / The Gathering Place 9:00 AM Preschool 6:30 PM Jubilation Bells / Sanctuary 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir / Choir Room Thursday, January 8 9:00 AM Preschool 6:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 345 / Lower Level 6:15 PM Worship Band Rehearsal / Sanctuary Friday, January 9 9:00 AM Preschool 11:00 AM Memorial Service for Mike DeNeff Saturday, January 10 8:00 AM Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus Sunday, January 11 9:30 AM Celebration Worship Service / Sanctuary 10:45 AM Education Hour & Engage / Lower Level 10:45 AM Pizza Night Team Meeting / Oasis 4:00 PM Fifty Six and Jr. High Youth Group / Core 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth Group / Core Monday, January 12 9:00 AM Preschool 10:00 AM Program Staff Meeting / Lounge 12:00 PM Kids’ Food Basket Volunteering / KFB 6:00 PM Stewardship Team / Lounge 6:30 PM Boy Scout Committee Meeting / Room 26 6:30 PM Congregational Life / Bread House Tuesday, January 13 9:00 AM Preschool Wednesday, January 14 9:00 AM Preschool 9:00 AM Health Ministry Team / Parish Nurse Office 6:30 PM Jubilation Bells / Sanctuary 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir / Choir Room Thursday, January 15 9:00 AM Preschool 11:00 AM Pieceful Gathering Quilters / Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 345 / Fellowship Hall 6:15 PM Worship Band Rehearsal / Sanctuary Friday, January 16 9:00 AM Preschool

Saturday, January 17 8:15 AM Mobile Food Truck / Cesar Chavez Elem. 6:00 PM Hunky Dories / Jeanne Waller’s Home Sunday, January 18 9:30 AM Celebration Worship Service / Sanctuary 10:45 AM Education Hour & Engage / Lower Level 4:00 PM FiftySix and Jr. High Youth / Core 6:00 PM Sr. High Youth / Core Monday, January 19 9:00 AM Preschool 10:00 AM Program Staff Meeting / Lounge Tuesday, January 20 9:00 AM Preschool 6:00 PM Deacon Orientation / Room 26 7:00 PM Board of Deacons/ Room 26 7:00 PM Hidden Hills Neighborhood / Lounge Wednesday, January 21 7:45 AM Men’s Breakfast / The Gathering Place 9:00 AM Preschool 6:30 PM Jubilation Bells / Sanctuary 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir / Choir Room Thursday, January 22 9:00 AM Preschool 6:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 345 / Fellowship Hall 6:15 PM Worship Band Rehearsal / Sanctuary Friday, January 23 Church Retreat – Camp Roger 9:00 AM Preschool Saturday, January 24 Church Retreat – Camp Roger 3:00 PM Mizpahs / Joann Herron’s Home Sunday, January 25 Church Retreat – Camp Roger 9:30 AM Celebration Worship Service / Sanctuary 10:30 AM Fellowship Time / Lounge Monday, January 26 9:00 AM Preschool 10:00 AM Program Staff Meeting / Lounge Tuesday, January 27 9:00 AM Preschool Wednesday, January 28 9:00 AM Preschool 6:30 PM Jubilation Bells / Sanctuary 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir / Choir Room

CALENDAR