RMCC hosts Brenner-Beckstead Ministries on Jan 20, 2013

Linda and Susie will bring the message using contemporary music and memorable stories about recovery, relationships and relying on God.

All are welcome and invited to attend this heartfelt worship service at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church - 10:00 AM located at 3864 Benjamin Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

RMCC hosts Brenner-Beckstead Ministries on Jan 20, 2013

Dec 16, 2012 Message

Sermon based on Zephaniah 3:14–20 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Senior Pastor.

Dec 16, 2012 Message

Nov 18, 2012 Message

Sermon based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Senior Pastor.

Nov 18, 2012 Message

Nov 11, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 32B - Mark 12.38-44 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Nov 11, 2012 Sermon

Nov 4, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - All Saints Sunday - John 11.32-34 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Nov 4, 2012 Sermon

Oct 7, 2012 Message

Sermon based on Zephaniah 3.17  at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor. 

(Life Lessons From the Lord's Table)

Oct 7, 2012 Message

Sept 30, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Esther 4.14b at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sept 30, 2012 Sermon

Sept 23, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Luke 9.23 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Based on the book "Every Day Deserves a Chance" by Max Lucado

Sept 23, 2012 Sermon

September 16, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on John 6.9-14 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Based on the book "Every Day Deserves a Chance" by Max Lucado

God is Able

[God] is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or think 

(Eph. 3:20 NLT).

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance… 

(2 Cor. 9:8 RSV).

Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tempted (Heb. 2:18 NLT).

He is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him

(Heb. 7:25 NLT).

God…is able to keep you from stumbling, and…will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy (Jude 1:24 NLT).

[God] is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Ph. 3:21NKJV).

[God] is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return 

(2 Tim. 1:12 NLT).

“There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a

drop in the bucket for a crowd like this." … Then Jesus took the bread and,

having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with

the fish. All ate as much as they wanted. When the people had eaten their fill,

he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went

to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley

loaves. The people realized that God was at work among them…” 

(Jn. 6:9-14 MSG)

September 16, 2012 Sermon

Sept 9, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Luke 23.43 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Based on the book "Every Day Deserves a Chance" by Max Lucado

Sept 9, 2012 Sermon

September 2, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Psalm 118.24 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Based on the book "Every Day Deserves a Chance" by Max Lucado

September 2, 2012 Sermon

August 26, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on 1 Peter 4:7-11 by Judy Hakala, member of RMCC and serves as clerk on our Board of Directors at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI.

August 26, 2012 Sermon

August 19, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Exodus 17.1-7 and Philippians 2.1-13 by Jen Taylor, member of Divine Peace MCC, Pontiac MI at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI.

August 19, 2012 Sermon

Aug 12, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 19B - Ephesians 4.25-4.2 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Aug 12, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 18B - John 6.24-35 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 17B - Ephesians 3.14-21 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on Proverbs 4.23 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

July 8, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on Psalm 24.1-2 and Romans 8.18-25 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.


Click here to listen.

July 8, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 13B - Mark 5.21-43 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI by guest preacher Rev. Karen Tompkins.

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 12B - Mark 4.35-41 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ordinary 11B - Mark 4.26-34 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on Matthew 10.4042 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

In and Around RMCC June 4, 2012

PRAYER REQUEST 

I have just learned that they have found a mass on my sister Lurette's ovary. On Friday she underwent a lot of tests of which results should be back on Monday or Tuesday.  She is in a tremendous amount of pain in her abdomen and back which is also going down into her leg. Please keep her and her husband Jim in your prayers.

Peace and Light,
Kim and Linda
  
Update on Alma, provided by her daughter on Jun 3, 2012: 


She is doing pretty good today has sat up in chair all day and went for a walk.  Feeling good hoping she gets better soon "she wants taco's". She sees the doctor everyday. Her surgical site is looking great and hopes to be out of hospital end of week or next week. No word on mass as of yet. Pray it's not cancer.
Keep prayers going for speedy recovery.

Love Annie (daughter)  

 ______________________________ 

 FREE FISHING WEEKEND

  

Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere outdoor activities, Michigan Fishing, for FREE! 

All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and outstate visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

All are invited to join in a fun filled fellowship day of fishing at Betty and Dana's cottage.  A hotdog lunch will be provided at 12 noon. Potluck dinner begins at 6:00 PM. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks.

For more information contact Betty email 

______________________________

        

WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

Stewardship of Life Institute

  

A story is told of a man who went out each day to his backyard and uncovered his money which was buried in the ground. He would then put it back i the ground and cover it up again. To his shock one day, he dug up the ground only to discover that his money was gone! He began to cry out in dismay. His neighbor heard his cry and came to his aid right away. Upon discovering his plight, the neighbor dropped his head, walked away and said, "What's all the fuss about, you were not using the money for any good anyway. Maybe whoever took it will use it for some good!"

In Jesus' parable about money, he does not say that money is a bad thing. He is not telling us we will be happy if we are poor and sad if we are rich. Nor is telling us that it is wrong to be rich and right to be poor. Rather, he is saying that if we have money, but something that matters, do something good with your money. "...store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6.20) Otherwise, we may wake up one day with a life full of money but empty of value.

___________________________ 

 

  

  

AMAZON ASSOCIATE

Did you know that RMCC is an Amazon Associate?

When you shop at Amazon.com, start by clicking on the link you'll find 
on this blog. When you do that, RMCC receives up 
to 15% of the total amount of your order. 

Qualifying items include books, CDs, DVDs, computers, consumer electronics, MP3 and e-book downloads, pet supplies, items sold and fulfilled by third-party vendors and many more. Just make sure you arrive at Amazon.com by clicking on our link, or else we won't get credit for the order.

Even if you click on our link to Amazon early in the day but don't 
complete your order, and then go directly to Amazon later in the day 
to complete the order, we won't get credit for it. So please, get in the habit of going to Amazon by scrolling down on the right side of our blog and use the Amazon fundraiser search.
 

__________________________

 

HEADED TO JAPAN

As you know, I am heading off to Japan to teach English as an internship starting July 26 and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.  However, there were some extra expenses that I needed to pay for such as transportation fees and food and housing fees.  I was prepared to pay for these on my own until unexpected tuition statements from my college came up and I had to use my saved money to take care of that issue.  Even though I am working this summer, I am a bit panicky about coming up with $400 in order to pay for the expenses on my internship.   

I am willing to do work for members of the congregation in exchange for financial help.  

Please contact me via email by clicking here

Thank you,

Drew Esterline

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday School: We are looking for dedicated individuals to teach and share with our children in Sunday school using our easy to use Sunday School Curriculum. Children's Sunday school meets weekly with the exception of the first Sundays of each month when children, teachers and assistants are encouraged to worship with their families.
  
Classroom Assistants for Sunday School are also needed to serve as support for teachers and a loving presence for children.

Consider teaching Sunday school, or being a classroom assistant. In whatever way you are called to serve, please prayerfully consider sharing your time and talents with the amazing children of RMCC. Contact Janet Beck for more information.

PRIDE (June 16, 2012): We are excited about the upcoming 2012 West Michigan PRIDE Celebration. Help is needed is needed in setting up and taking down of our booth as well as staffing our booth. What a great opportunity to reach others in spreading God's joy and love. Contact Nathan Bauer, Dana McCoy, or Pastor Steph for more information.

Lawn Ranger: Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Lawn Ranger team, please contact Cindy George. We have a riding mower that makes this ministry much easier.  

 ______________________________

  

NEWSLETTER

  

If have an article you would like to submit to the newsletter please contact Pastor Steph

 ______________________________ 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bible Study NEW LOCATION -   

June 6, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 PM

3035 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508

Fishing Fellowship: June 9, 2012
Worship - June 10, 2012 at 10AM 
PRIDE - June 16, 2012 

  ______________________________ 

BECOME A MEMBER OF RMCC
If you are interested in becoming a member of RMCC, please contact Pastor Steph. 

In and Around RMCC June 4, 2012

Trinity Sunday Sermon (Jun 3, 2012)

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Trinity Sunday - Romans 8.12-17 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community church, Grand Rapids, MI by guest preacher Rev. Karen Tompkins.

Trinity Sunday Sermon (Jun 3, 2012)

Pentecost Sunday Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Pentecost Sunday - John 15.26; 16:4b-15 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community church, Grand Rapids, MI by guest preacher Rev. Karen Tompkins.

Pentecost Sunday Sermon

In and Around RMCC May 21, 2012

PRAYER REQUEST 

Roxy's friend Addie's daughter has a brain tumor and Roxy asks prayers for the daughter, and her family and friends.

Roxy has a tumor, hopefully benign, on the back of her head, Will be having a CT scan soon.  She asks prayers for herself and  for her friends and family, as well.

I ask prayers for Donna and her broken foot, which gives her a lot of pain, for healing of the foot, and for  patience through the healingprocesses for the both of us.

Thank you,
Brian 

 ______________________________ 

 FREE FISHING WEEKEND

  

Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere outdoor activities, Michigan Fishing, for FREE! 

All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and outstate visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

All are invited to join in a fun filled fellowship day of fishing at Betty and Dana's cottage.  A hotdog lunch will be provided at 12 noon. Potluck dinner begins at 6:00 PM. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks.

For more information contact Betty email or call 616-891-1937

______________________________

        

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Gleaned from an article 

by Rob Blezard

Stewardship of Life Institute

  

"Do not be afraid," Jesus tells us this over and over. Not only does Jesus tell us not to fear, but angels do too. Why do God and God's messengers continually have to reassure us people? It's because following Jesus and walking a path of discipleship occasionally gets scary. God pushes us out of our comfort zones, asking us to do new tasks, to see new things and - most scary of all - to look inside ourselves, change our ways of life and change our hearts.

Fear keeps many of us from growing as disciples of Christ. If we let fear dictate our lives, we'd probably never read a lesson in front of the congregation, never visit a severely injured church member, never stand up against injustice, never reach out to the suffering. All these things can be scary at first.

In the same way, fear is a key barrier to generous financial giving. We fear we won't have enough if we give generously. We fear God won't provide enough for all our wants and needs.

Fear is a normal part of our faith life. It helps us move beyond our perceived limits. We grow best by facing fear - and then moving beyond it. When fear paralyzes us, we stay where we are and do not grow.

If we want to learn to give generously, we need to serve in situations where we experience a little fear, someplace outside of our comfort zone. As we learn to trust God in small situations, we will trust God with our finances, too.

Let us hear the words of Jesus reassuring us: "Do not be afraid." 

___________________________ 

 

  

  

FIGHTING LEUKEMIA

On May 10, 2012 the Bradely family life took an unexpected turn. Their oldest son Colin was having a great week with a Lacrosse game win on Tuesday and band concert on Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon Martie took Colin to the doctor to follow up on his headaches and stomachaches. He had some basic blood tests.

Their doctor called early the next morning and told them to go to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Colin was diagnosed with leukemia and admitted to the Oncology Unit. It was a total surprise to the entire family as well as the family of RMCC.

 

The Bradely family is hopeful, and appreciate of your thoughts and prayers in supporting Colin through this new adventure of being a cancer patient. The type of leukemia Colin has is very treatable and curable, but he will be going through chemotherapy and all that it entails. His first week was intensive treatment at the hospital. The next four months will be outpatient treatment. He will remain under care for the next three years to make sure the cancer cells do not return.

 

Colin is in good spirits and handling this admirably so far. He's been a trooper. The doctors are very confident that he will have a full recovery at the end of treatment.

Many freinds and members of RMCC have asked what we can to support and encourage the Bradley family on this journey.

 

The family  has signed up for "Take Them a Meal". This gives us the opportunity to show God's love by helping provide a meal for those times in life when filling their table will warm their hearts.

 

If interested, please contact Pastor Steph

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MCC COMMUNICATIONS

Click here  to read the official Headline News of Metropolitan Community Churches. 

______________________________

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday School: We are looking for dedicated individuals to teach and share with our children in Sunday school using our easy to use Sunday School Curriculum. Children's Sunday school meets weekly with the exception of the first Sundays of each month when children, teachers and assistants are encouraged to worship with their families.
  
Classroom Assistants for Sunday School are also needed to serve as support for teachers and a loving presence for children.
 Consider teaching Sunday school, or being a classroom assistant. In whatever way you are called to serve, please prayerfully consider sharing your time and talents with the amazing children of RMCC. Contact Janet Beck for more information.

PRIDE (June 16, 2012): We are excited about the upcoming 2012 West Michigan PRIDE Celebration. Help is needed is needed in setting up and taking down of our booth as well as staffing our booth. What a great opportunity to reach others in spreading God's joy and love. Contact Nathan Bauer, Dana McCoy, or Pastor Steph for more information.

Lawn Ranger: Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Lawn Ranger team, please contact Cindy George. We have a riding mower that makes this ministry much easier.  

 ______________________________

  

NEWSLETTER

  

If have an article you would like to submit to the newsletter please contact Pastor Steph

 ______________________________ 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bible Study NEW LOCATION -   May 23, 2012 at 6:30-8:30 PM

3035 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508

MAY 30, 2012 - NO BIBLE STUDY

Worship - May 27, 2012 at 10AM  
Pastors Spring Vacation: May 27, 2012-Jun 1, 2012
Fishing Fellowship: June 9, 2012

  ______________________________ 

BECOME A MEMBER OF RMCC
If you are interested in becoming a member of RMCC, please contactPastor Steph. 

In and Around RMCC May 21, 2012

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - Ascension Sunday - Acts 1.1-11 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - 6th Sunday of Easter - John 15.9-17 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor.

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - 5th Sunday of Easter - John 15.1-8 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor

Apr 29, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - 4th Sunday of Easter - Psalm 23 and John 10.11-18 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor

Apr 29, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - 3rd Sunday of Easter - Luke 24.13-49 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI 
~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor

April 15, 2012 Sermon

Sermon based on the Revised Common Lectionary - 2nd Sunday of Easter - John 20.19-31 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor

April 15, 2012 Sermon

April 8 Sermon

Sunday, April 8, 2012 Sermon. Easter Sunday, based on John 20.1-18 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson, Pastor

You may find an i-pad version by clicking here.

April 8 Sermon

Check out this weeks newsletter by clicking here.

March 12, 2012 Sermon

Sunday, March 12, 2012 Sermon. Lent 4B, based on Numbers 21.4-9 and John 3.14-21 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson

You may find an i-pad version by clicking here.

March 12, 2012 Sermon

March 11, 2012 Sermon

Sunday, March 11th, 2012 Sermon. Week 3 of Lent, based on Exodus 20:1-17 and John 2:13-22 at Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, Grand Rapids MI ~ Rev. Steph Maxson

You may find an i-pad version by clicking here.

March 11, 2012 Sermon

Good Friday Service

Good Friday is the Friday within Holy Week, and is a time of fasting and penance, commemorating the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion and death. For Christians (Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, etc), Good Friday commemorates not just a historical event, but the sacrificial death of Christ, which with the resurrection, comprises the heart of the Christian faith.

Join us as we imagine how the cross maker, nail maker, robe maker, stone maker, whip maker, and the crown maker, felt to see his object part of the Jesus' crucifixion. Each one laments the event and their unwilling role with the revealing statement, "look at what I gave Jesus and look at what he gave me." Interwoven into the makers monologue we will using interpretive dance and music to tell the Crucifixion story.

All invited, all are welcome. 

Good Friday Service

Shawn Thomas in Concert at RMCC

Shawn's newest musical effort, released in July 2011, is a two-disc set called "Covered and Created," which features 10 tracks previously recorded by other artists and 10 new original works. The "Covered" disc includes songs from Chris Tomlin,m Casting Crowns, Richard Marx, Cher, and the OutVoice Top 10 hit of Shawn's version of "Hero" by Mariah Carey.

With a minister as a father and a talented musician as his mother, Shawn's ministry through Aaron's Rainbow Project (ARP) is the natural combination of his musical and spiritual influences. As a member in good standing with the Grammy™ Recording Academy and a four-time Pride in the Arts Awards recipient from the Stonewall Society and 14-time nominee, Shawn Thomas emerges not only as an outstanding performer and singer, but as a dynamic and versatile worship leader and presenter. His intention is to share the message of Gods love and grace through music in order to build unity, understanding, and acceptance while still encouraging personal responsibility, self-reliance, and the development of conviction and values.
© Copyright The Ministry of ARP (Aaron's Rainbow Project)

Shawn Thomas in Concert at RMCC