Seniors Event

The next gathering will take place on Tuesday, April 11, at 1:00 PM. A wonderful motivational speaker, David Kampshchulte, will speak on the subject: Every Day with Morrie. “Tuesdays with Morrie” was on the best-seller list for over five years. Everyone is welcome to attend a lively, thought-provoking session as we talk about the impact of this book, why it still strikes a chord today, and the lifelong lessons that Morrie not only imparted to his pupil Mitch but people the world over. Was Morrie a very unique person? Or can we learn from his lessons and be more like him by making changes in our own lives?

David is currently based at Aquinas College and speaks at many churches and universities in the Western and Central Michigan area.

Invite your friends. This is an opportunity too good to miss! Coffee and ice cream will be served.

Palm Sunday

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Palm Sunday
During our regular Sunday worship time we celebrate Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem. The irony we remember on Palm (or Passion) Sunday is that Jesus came not as the military king everyone expected. He entered, likely through the sheep gate for the animal sacrifices. He entered Jerusalem with the full expectation of his death on the horizon. The paradox between the exclamations of “Hosanna! (SaveUs!)” and later, “Crucify him!” is palpable when remembering this day. But, praise God, the ultimate exclamation that followers of Jesus claim is “He is Risen!”
Palm Sunday worship begins in the Church Lobby promptly at 10:00AM. All worshippers then process to the sanctuary as a group.

This week at a glance

  Check the calendar for a full list of all activities happening at Fifth Church this week

Sunday, April 2, 2023 – PALM SUNDAY
 10:00 AM – “Longing” – Jon Sherrill, preaching
 5:00 PM – Liturgical Dance Rehearsal
 
Monday, April 3, 2023 –
 7:00 PM – Lenten Service of Reflection and Communion
 
 Tuesday, April 4, 2023 –
 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Gathering
7:00 PM – Lenten Service of Reflection and Communion
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 –
9:00 AM – Men’s Bible Study
7:00 PM – Lenten Service of Reflection and Communion
7:30 PM – Easter Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, April 6, 2023 –
6:30 AM – Men’s Morning Breakfast at Anna’s House (E Beltline location)
7:00 PM – Maundy Thursday Worship

Bounce House Open 3-31-23 9A-4P

Staying home for spring break and need something to do? Come and bounce your wiggles out. Friday, March 31, 9 AM – 4 PM.

Discipleship Equipping Night

The mission of Fifth Church is, “Growing disciples who make disciples.” Simply put, a disciple is one who is learning from Jesus and pursuing a Jesus-shaped life.

The next Discipleship Equipping Night will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023, 5:30-7:30 PM.

A meal will be provided at 5:30 PM. After dinner, we’ll spend some time in worship and then turn to the teaching for the night. Everyone who would like to learn is invited, though this gathering is best suited for adults and students from middle school and up. Childcare will be provided for children and elementary-aged students. To help gauge for dinner, sign up HERE.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday
You are invited to a Service of Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness)” to experience and remember the last evening Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room before his arrest and crucifixion. Maundy Thursday marks three key events in Jesus’ last week: his washing of his disciples’ feet, his institution of the Lord’s Supper (communion), and his new commandment to all of us: ‘Love one another.” At this service, we also dip into the Good Friday experience and remember the death of Christ on the cross. Come join in this countercultural quiet time of reflection on the sacrifice of the Lord. This time of worship includes choir, scripture readings, group singing, dance, and the extinguishing of candles. (Childcare thru Age 3).

Holy Week

Services of Reflection & Communion
Wrap up your day with a 30-minute informal worship time in the Community Rooms at Fifth. These services or reflections focus on Jesus and his love for each of us through prayers, a short teaching, and communion. Our leaders this Holy Week include Becky Telezerow, Jan Fields & Jennifer Holberg.

Family Easter Event Wednesday, April 12, 6:30-7:45 PM

  1 Peter 1:7 says that if we “walk in the light as He is in the light…the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin,” and this forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is what we celebrate at Easter! We’re making this practical and giving kids the chance to “walk in the light” on Wednesday, April 12.

There will be a short time of worship and talk about the importance of Easter and how we can walk in the light because of Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross. Then, families will be released to make their very own Easter lanterns for the parade at the end of the night. All supplies will be provided for the lanterns. This is a family event, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The whole church family is invited to the parade on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:30-7:45 PM. We can’t wait to show off our lanterns and “walk in the light!”

STELLAR Vacation Bible School volunteer opportunities

Help Fifth blast off STELLAR Vacation Bible School! In order to open VBS registration to the community in April we need a quorum of volunteer roles filled. These roles include purchasing supplies, making out-of-this-world decorations and stage sets, setting up and tearing down, moon-walking with a small group of kids as a crew leader or crew helper for four days, hanging out with preschoolers, and so much more. Friends, if you can dedicate 4 mornings from July 24-27 with kids, that is so very important to them feeling comfortable in a church and connecting the dots of the themes and lessons of each day for them to learn to “Shine God’s Light.” BUT, if you cannot participate on the days of the event, there are dozens of ways you can lunar-assist prior to that week. In fact, we have jobs that begin as early as April. We will open registration to the students as soon as possible – and we need you to do that! Click on the link HERE to see the list of opportunities! Check out how YOU can make a galactic difference! Questions? Email Janna Lange.

Easter Flower Orders

Fifth Church family and friends are invited to honor or remember someone special in your life by purchasing spring plants for Easter. Please fill out an order form either online HERE or on the connection card in the Worship Guide, or on the sign-up sheet on the counter in the Information Corridor.
Payment of $7.00 each can be dropped off in the church office. The flowers will decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday and may be taken home afterward if you so desire. You can also call the church office at 616-245-9247 to place your order. Flower orders must be in by Sunday, March 12.