Fifth Kids

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6-9-26

We invite your family to join us this Sunday from 2-4 PM for a Family Sabbath Outing. This is not so much an event as an opportunity to practice a different pace together, creating intentional space to stop, rest, delight, and reflect on who God is. Families are welcome to come and stay as long as it works best for them, and simple self-guided prompts will be available to help guide your time. We’ll be outdoors for the entire outing, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. We hope this shared time offers a glimpse of how Sabbath rhythms can become a meaningful part of family life.

 

5-26-26

Moms and children are invited to gather for a relaxed time of connection, prayer, and play on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at Manhattan Park. June 2, 9, 16, and 23. Come enjoy community, encourage one another, and let the kids have fun together at the park! Friends are welcome! Contact: Nichole Wilson, (616) 245-9247.

 

   

 

4-28-26 updated

 

4-14-26 updated

 

3-31-26 updated

3-3-26 updated

 

1-30-26 updated

 

1-6-26 updated

 

12-2-25 updated

 

11-25-25 updated

 

 

10-28-25 updated

This conference will help Christian parents, caregivers, and pastors equip the next generation to engage a sexually broken world with wisdom. Our host is Laurie Krieg, a mom of three young kids and author, teacher, and ministry leader at the intersection of faith and sexuality for over ten years. She’ll be joined by her husband Matt, an author and licensed therapist who specializes in human sexuality.

To Register, CLICK HERE.

 

9-30-25 updated

 

9-2-25 updated

 

8-5-25 updated

 

7-1-25

 

5-27-25 JUNE

 

4-29-25 MAY

 

4-1-25 – APRIL

 

3-18-25 & 3-25-25

 

3-11-25

 

3-4-25

 

2-25-25

 

 

2-18-25

 

 

2-11-25

 

2-4-25

 

February

 

1-28-25

 

1-21-25

 

1-14-25

 

1-7-25

 

12-17-24

 

12-10-24

Everyone is invited to A Very Little Christmas Family Event on December 11 at 6:30 PM. There will be a Free Community Meal before at 5:45 PM.

 

11-26-24 & 12-3-24

 

11-12-24 & 11-19-24

 

11-5-24

 

10-29-24

 

10-22-24

 

10-15-24

 

 

10-8-24

 

10-1-24

9-24-24

 

9-17-24

 

New Staff

 

Fall 2024

 

Please register your kids today for the 2024-2025 year.

 

August

 

 

July

 

June

 

5-21 and 5-28-24

 

 

5-7 and 5-14-24

 

4-30-24

 

4-23-24

 

4-16-24

 

4-9-24

 

3-26-24 and 4-2-24

 

3-19-24

 

3-12-24

 

3-5-24

 

2-27-24

 

2-20-24

 

 

2-13-24

 

2-6-24

 

1-30-24

 

1-23-24

 

1-16-24

 

1-9-24

If you would like to attend the “Living Faith: Practicing What God is Saying to Us” Parenting Discipleship seminar on Wednesday evenings BEGINNING next week from 6:30-7:30 PM and need childcare for children Birth-Kindergarten, PLEASE Register your Child(ren) HERE.

 

 

12-19-23 & 12-26-23

Family Advent Devotional – click HERE

click HERE

and click HERE

12-12-23

Family Advent Devotional – click HERE

 

12-5-23

Family Advent Devotional – click HERE

 

11-28-23

 

11-21-23

Everyone is invited to an evening of worship and retelling of the Christmas story. Wednesday, December 6 @ 6:30 PM in the Lobby.

 

 

11-14-23

 

11-7-23

 

10-31-23

 

10-24-23

 

10-17-23

 

10-10-23

 

9-26-23

 

9-19-23

 

9-12-23

If you would like to learn more about Partnering with Fifth Kids please click HERE.

 

8-22-23

Link to volunteer HERE

 

8-15-23

 

8-8-23

It is hard to believe that we are in the winding down days of summer already! School supplies have stocked the shelves in stores for weeks now and start dates are quickly approaching. With that in mind, Fifth Kids is also busy planning and preparing for fall happenings.
Please help Fifth Kids by filling out the following form for each of your children! Having up-to-date information helps us plan for fall classes.
Click HERE to help us update our class rosters!
If you have any questions please reach out to Lindsey Lugo at llugo@fifthrc.org

 

7-21-23

VBS is this week, July 24-27. Shine Jesus’ Light for all to see. Let’s have a STELLAR time!

 

7-10-23 & 7-18-23

6-20-23 & 6-27-23

 

6-13-23

6-6-23

 

5-30-23

Communion will take place this weekend.

Children at the Lord’s Table

As we celebrate communion, the pastors and elders at Fifth welcome children to The Lord’s Table at their parents’ discretion.

Explaining Communion to Children

 

5-23-23

Fifth Kids Worship is out for the Summer!

Sunday begins our Summer Schedule for Fifth Kids.
Nursery: Room 101 Infants/Toddlers
PreK: Room 102 Children 3-5yrs
Children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade will remain in worship with their families.
 Parents/Guardians: If you did not receive a “Where is the Word” activity resource and would like a digital copy, please contact Lindsey Lugo. You can find printed copies this Sunday.

Lindsey Lugo at llugo@fifthrc.org.

Whitecaps Outing – July 12

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Come join Fifth Church for a Whitecaps game! Follow this link for tickets to sit with the group from Fifth. The first 1,000 kids get a free meal voucher and kids under 2 years old are free. Connect with Sam Eldersveld with any questions.

June 14 – June 28

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You can check the Events Calendar HERE for a full list of events

Here’s a quick view of the activities happening this week at Fifth

 

Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20 – Mexico Mission Trip

Sunday, June 14, 2026 

10:00 AM – Sam Eldersveld, preaching

10:30 AM – Fifth Kids W.O.W

11:00 AM – Woodland Drive-In Worship

2:00 PM – Fifth Kids Family Sabbath Event

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

9:30 AM – Pray & Play @ Manhattan Park

9:30 AM – Elizabeth/Ruth Circle

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

9:00 AM – Bounce House

Sunday, June 21, 2026 

10:00 AM – Sam Eldersveld, preaching

10:30 AM – Fifth Kids W.O.W

11:00 AM – Woodland Drive-In Worship

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

9:30 AM – Pray & Play @ Manhattan Park

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

6:30 PM – VBS training – new/youth volunteers

6:30 PM – Griggs Garden Club

Sunday, June 28, 2026 – communion 

10:00 AM – Nathan Longfield, preaching

10:30 AM – Fifth Kids W.O.W

11:00 AM – Woodland Drive-In Worship

11:30 AM – All-Church Luncheon

Worship Blog

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The Beginning of Wisdom – Summer 2026
This summer, we will enter into wisdom. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job are known as “wisdom literature” because they invite us to live wisely and lead us to follow Jesus more
faithfully. According to scripture, wisdom begins not with our intellect or reason but with the “fear of the Lord.” This is not a paralyzing kind of fear, like terror, but an appropriate reverence
toward God that puts the Lord at the center of our lives and our understanding of the world. We will soak in the spiritual guidance these books offer as they call us to lives of faith and fruit.

June Proverbs

6/14 –Walking With Wisdom – Proverbs 1:20-33 –  Sam Eldersveld, preaching

6/21 –Proverbs 3:1-12  – Sam Eldersveld, preaching

6/28 – Proverbs 15:1-7 – Nathan Longfield, preaching

 

July Ecclesiastes

7/5 – Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, 2:14 – Nathan Longfield, preaching (Combined worship @ Woodland Drive-In)

7/12 – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – Sam Eldersveld, preaching

7/19 – Ecclesiastes 8:10-17 – Jon Sherrill, preaching

7/26 – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – Jon Sherrill, preaching

 

August Job

8/2 – Job 1:6-22 – Nathan Longfield, preaching

8/9 – guest preacher, Pavel

8/16 – Job 2:11-13 – Jon Sherrill, preaching

8/23 – Job 8:11 – Jon Sherrill, preaching

8/30 – Job 38:38-41 – Jon Sherrill, preaching

9/6 – Job 42

 

To access the 10:00 AM live stream on Sunday, click HERE.

To watch past worship services, click HERE.

To listen to past messages, click HERE.

 

VBS Rainforest Falls – supplies needed

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We’re preparing for an exciting week of VBS, and we need your help and support! There will be clipboards on a table near the entrance of the sanctuary with a list of supplies we need. Your donations truly make a difference and help create an unforgettable experience for the kids! Tear off the tag with the item(s) from the list and bring them to church by June 28. Taping the tear-off tag to the item(s) will help us stay organized. Place your donation(s) under the table.

 

We are looking to borrow the following items for the Rainforest Falls VBS this summer.
 Small wheeled cart
 Artificial trees (any size)
 Butterfly net
 Flour sifters
 5-gallon buckets (5)
 Blankets
 Patio lights
 Plush forest animals: frogs, snakes, parrots, monkeys, reptiles, butterflies, etc.
*Mark your items with your name if you’d like them back. You can also keep your eye out for these items at resale shops, garage sales, etc., which would be great too!

We’ve also created a SignUpGenius list of supplies needed as well. Click HERE

Please contact Lori Kane with questions (616) 822-2356 or lkane-321@sbcglobal.net

Thank you so much!

 

Bounce House dates – June 17, July 15, August 12

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Got the summer willies? Come and jump them away!
The Bounce House will be set up in the Lobby from 9-4 on June 17, July 15, and August 12.

A parent must be present, and a waiver must be signed to have your kids jump.

Contact Lindsey Lugo llugo@fifthrc.org or Nichole Wilson nwilson@fifthrc.org with any questions.

Baptism – July 12

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We celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism approximately four times per year. The next date is July 12, 2026. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please complete the Connection Card or contact the Elders, eggknecht@gmail.com.

 

Volunteer Library Coordinator Needed

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Do you love books? Might you consider volunteering in the church library?
 
Responsibilities include monitoring books checked out and returned, categorizing new books, displaying books, and purchasing (a budgeted amount available) books each year. The tasks can be done weekly or bi-weekly, and at your convenience.
Please contact Char or Jill at (616) 245-9247 in the Fifth Church Office with questions.

Hotdog Wednesday – July 8, August 12

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Summertime at Fifth!

This is an opportunity for Fifth and its neighbors to gather together over an informal outdoor meal, conversation, and yard games.

Join in the fun on Wednesdays,  July 8, and August 12, from 5-6:30. In case of rain, it will be held indoors.

Student Ministries

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4-28-26

May 3 – End of Year Celebration, 5-8PM

4-14-26 updated

Noah Prins will be joining our staff on May 26 as the Next Gen Director! Noah and his wife, Dynelle, and their two boys are excited to join the family at Fifth!

1-20-26 updated

January 11 – Large Group, 6-8PM

January 18 – Large Group, 6-8PM

January 25 – Large Group, 6-8PM

February 1 – Tubing at Cannonsburg, 1:15-4:30PM

February 6-8 – Winter Camp @ Grace Adventures

February 8 – Superbowl Party, 6-9PM

February 15 – Large Group, 6-8PM

February 22 – Small Group, 6-8PM

March 1 – Large Group, 6-8PM

March 8 – No Group

March 15 – Large Group, 6-8PM

March 22 – Dinner Host Night, 6-8PM

March 29 – Large Group, 6-8PM

April 5 – No Group

April 12 – No Group

April 19 – Large Group, 6-8PM

April 26 – Large Group, 6-8PM

May 3 – End of Year Celebration, 5-8PM

1-6-26 updated

Let’s start the New Year together. Join in the large group fun on Sunday, January 11 from 6-8 in the church Lobby.

9-18-25 updated

Student Ministries kicked off the season on Sunday. We had a friendly competition. Here are a couple of photos of the fun!

   

8-29-25 updated

Fall 2025

September 14 – Fall Kickoff

September 21

September 28

October 5 – Small Group Night

October 12

October 19

October 26

November 2 – Dinner Host Night

November 9

November 16 – Friendsgiving

November 23 – Thanksgiving Celebration Worship

November 30 – OFF

December 7

December 14 – Christmas Party

6-27-25

July

July 5-12 – High School Mission Trip to Minnesota

Wednesday, July 16 – Hot Dog Wednesday (all church/neighborhood) – 5:00-6:30 PM

Thursday, July 17 – Lazy River Tubing (no time yet)

Monday, July 28 – Pizza & Bible Study, Sam’s House – 6:00-7:30 PM

5-27-25

June

Monday, June 2 – Ice Cream Social (all church/neighborhood) – 6:00-7:30 PM

Tuesday, June 3 – Whitecaps, 5:30 – 9:00 PM

Monday, June 9 – Pizza & Bible Study, Sam’s House – 6:00-7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 18 – Hot Dog Wednesday (all church/neighborhood) – 5:00-6:30 PM

Thursday, June 19 – Beach Hang Out, Holland State Park, 4:30 – 9:30 PM

Monday, June 23 – Pizza & Bible Study, Sam’s House – 6:00-7:30 PM

4-27-25

Hi friends of Fifth,

Fifth high school students and leaders are headed to Pease, MN, on a mission trip from July 5-12 through the organization ThereforeGo Ministries. The group will be staying at Pease Christian Reformed Church and serving at local non-profits throughout the week, with 50 total people from around the country. There will be a mission trip fundraiser lunch following worship on Sunday, June 8, with signups coming soon. If you feel led to donate towards the cost of the trip, we would greatly appreciate it. Follow this link. Your help makes this trip affordable for all students. Currently, we have 15 students and leaders attending, and we’re looking forward to what God has in store on the trip!

-Sam Eldersveld

4-15-25

May

3 – End of Year Celebration

3-25-25

If you or somebody in your family has received an undergraduate or graduate degree, we would love to include their information in the graduation brochure on Sunday, May 11. Please send their name, what degree they graduated with, and any future plans they’d like to share to Sam Eldersveld, seldersveld@fifthrc.org.

3-21-25

April

6 – Spring Break

13 – Spring Break

20 – Off/Easter

25 – Bonfire & Pizza Night

27 – Large Group

2-25-25

Winter Camp crew

2-21-25

March

1 – BattleGR Event

2 – Profession of Faith Class AM/Large Group PM

9 – Dinner Host Night

16 – Large Group

23 – Large Group

30 – Large Group

1-28-25

February 

2 – Cannonsburg Tubing

9 – Super Bowl Party

16 – Large Group

21-23 – Winter Camp

23 – Off/Winter Camp

Profession of Faith Class – Feb. 2, 9, 16, Mar. 2

1-9-25

The sign-up for winter camp is still open for February 21-23. There are limited spots available, so please sign up as soon as you can. Click here to register.

1-7-25

January

12 – Large Group

19 – Small Group Night

26 – Small Group

12-26-24

Winter/Spring 2025

Large Group Gatherings 6-8 PM

January

12 – Large Group

19 – Small Group Night

26 – Small Group

February 

2 – Cannonsburg Tubing

9 – Super Bowl Party

16 – Large Group

21-23 – Winter Camp

23 – Off/Winter Camp

March

1 – BattleGR Event

2 – Large Group

9 – Dinner Host Night

16 – Large Group

23 – Large Group

30 – Large Group

April

6 – Spring Break

13 – Spring Break

20 – Off/Easter

27 – Large Group

May

3 – End of Year Celebration

OTHER EVENTS

February 21-23 – Winter Camp at Grace Adventures

March 1 – BattleGR 6-8 PM

April 25 – Bonfire & Pizza Night

PROFESSION OF FAITH CLASS

Feb. 2, 9, 16, and Mar. 2

12-12-24

Middle and high school students are invited to a Christmas party on Sunday, December 15 from 6-8 PM in the lobby. A meal is provided and friends are welcome!

11-26-24

The sign-up for the high school mission trip for all current 8th-12th grade students is now open! The trip will be to Pease, MN from July 5-12. Register here and contact Sam with any questions.

December Activities

December 1 – off

December 6 – Open Gym Night

December 8 – Large Group

December 15 – Christmas Party

11-19-24

Middle and high school students are invited to a Friendsgiving meal from 4:30-6:00 PM on Sunday, November 24 upstairs in room 201. Friends are encouraged to come. This event will take the place of regular large group. Please register for Sam to know how much food to provide.

11-7-24

Middle and high school students are invited to a Friendsgiving meal from 4:30-6:00 PM on Sunday, November 24 upstairs in room 201. Friends are encouraged to come. This event will take the place of regular large group. Please register for Sam to know how much food to provide.

November Activities

November 3 – Large Group

November 10- Large Group

November 15-16 – Fall Retreat @ CranHill Ranch

November 17 – No Large Group (Fall Retreat)

November 24 – Friendsgiving

10-16-24

A couple student events are coming with a sign-up link included:

On Friday, October 25, students are invited to the Deep Roots Produce corn maze.

On Friday, November 15 – Saturday, November 16, students are invited to the fall retreat at CranHill Ranch.

Connect with Sam for questions or more details.

October Activities 

October 6 – Large Group

October 13 – Large Group

October 20 – Large Group

October 25 – Corn Maze

October 27 – Dinner Host Night

9-18-24

Student ministries are off to a great start! The first large group on September 15 was a blast. The winning team of the amazing race challenge had the prize of “pieing” a couple of leaders in the face with shaving cream. Since you probably can’t tell, the leaders shown are Sam and Seth.

Student ministries will be doing a service day in the afternoon in late September/early October. Is there anything around your house that you need help with? Is there yard work that needs to be done? Furniture that needs to be moved? Connect with Sam if anything comes to mind.

8-27-24

Fall schedule:

September 15 – Fall Kickoff – Amazing Race

September 22 – Large Group

September 29 – Small Group Night

October 6 – Large Group

October 13 – Large Group

October 20 – Large Group

October 25 – Corn Maze

October 27 – Dinner Host Night

November 3 – Large Group

November 10- Raking Service Event

November 15-16 – Fall Retreat @ CranHill Ranch

November 17 – No Large Group (Fall Retreat)

November 24 – Friendsgiving

December 1 – off

December 6 – Open Gym Night

December 8 – Large Group

December 15 – Christmas Party

8-1-24

August –

Bonfire Hang Out – Monday, August 12, 6:00-8:30 PM

Bible study – Wednesday, August 14, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Hot Dog Wednesday – Wednesday, August 14, 5:00-6:30 PM

7-1-24

July –

Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30  AM) July 10, July 17, 31

Kid’s Food Basket Farm Project (Tuesday, July 2), 8:30-10:30 AM – middle and high school students are invited to serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm in the morning. We’ll take some time to harvest produce that will go directly to families in Grand Rapids. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Fifth at 8:15 AM and will return by 10:45 AM. Please sign up here.

Michigan’s Adventure (Monday, July 8) – middle and high school students are invited to spend the day at Michigan’s Adventure. More information and the sign-up can be found here.

Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, July 10), 5:00-6:30 PM at Fifth

Lazy River Tubing (Thursday, July 18)

ICCF House Clean Up (Wednesday, July 31), 1:00-4:00 PM

6-20-24

High school students and leaders are backpacking and whitewater rafting in Buena Vista, CO from June 21-29. Be praying for a wonderful trip full of powerful encounters with the Lord.

On Tuesday, July 2, middle and high school students are invited to serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm in the morning. We’ll take some time to harvest produce that will go directly to families in Grand Rapids. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Fifth at 8:15am and will return by 10:45am. Please sign up here.

On Monday, July 8, middle and high school students are invited to spend the day at Michigan’s Adventure. More information and the sign-up can be found here.

June –

Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 am) June 12, June 19

Kid’s Food Basket Supper Packing (Wednesday, June 5) 10:00am-12:00pm, sign up here.

Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, June 12), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth

Whitecaps Game (Tuesday, June 18), Game starts at 6:30pm

Student Trip to Colorado (June 21-29)

Post on 5-30-24:

2024 SUMMER SCHEDULE

Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 am)

June 12, June 19, July 10, July 17, July 31, August 14

June –  

Kid’s Food Basket Supper Packing (Wednesday, June 5) 10:00am-12:00pm, sign up here.

Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, June 12), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth

Whitecaps Game (Tuesday, June 18), Game starts at 6:30pm

Student Trip to Colorado (June 21-29)

July –

Kid’s Food Basket Farm Project (Tuesday, July 2), 8:30-10:30am

Michigan’s Adventure (Monday, July 8)

Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, July 10), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth

Lazy River Tubing (Thursday, July 18)

ICCF House Clean Up (Wednesday, July 31), 1:00-4:00pm

August –

Bonfire Hang Out (Monday, August 12), 6:00-8:30pm

Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, August 14), 5:00-6:30pm

5-21-24

Stay tuned for the summer schedule of events.

5-7-24

Summer events will start in June.

4-30-24

Middle and high school students are invited to Mini Glow golf on Sunday, May 5 to celebrate the end of the year! Please meet at 5:30 PM at Fifth and the group will return by 8:00 PM. Please eat a meal prior to the event if you’re not planning on purchasing food at Mini Glow Golf. There is no cost to the event, unless you’re purchasing food or a drink.

4-16-24

Middle and high school students are invited to large group on Sunday, April 21 from 6-8 PM in the lobby. 5th graders are also invited this night to check out what a large group experience is like.

On Sunday, April 28 students will be participating in a video road rally within the normal time frame of 6-8 PM.

Also, the student leaders had a fun hang-out recently to celebrate a wonderful ministry year. Here is the group after successfully completing an escape room!

4-9-24

Student Ministries Coupon Book

Thank you so much to those who have donated towards the Colorado trip in June! These gifts allow many students to afford a trip that they normally wouldn’t be able to attend.

The Colorado team is still fundraising, and you’re invited to consider purchasing a coupon book! Coupon books cost $25 and contain great deals for Grand Rapids-based businesses. Half the cost of the books goes directly towards the cost of the trip. If you’d like to buy a book from a specific student, write their name under “seller” and a parent email under “seller email”. Otherwise, you can put, Sam Eldersveld, and seldersveld@fifthrc.org and I will disperse the funds to the whole group if purchasing online. Click this link to purchase the book online or to flip through the pages before purchasing a book by clicking  ‘flip through the pages of the book’.

Books can also be purchased via cash or check and there is a box of coupon books in Sam’s office if you want to look through one.

3-26-24

There will be no meetings on 3/31 or 4/7 due to Easter and Spring Break. The next meeting will be on 4/14. Enjoy the break.

3-19-24

Middle and high school students are invited to join in the watching of “Following the Footsteps.”

March 24 @ 6:00 PM in Room 201. Pizza and popcorn will be provided. Invite your friends.

3-12-24

Middle and high school students are invited to participate in dinner host night from 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, March 17. Each small group will head to a different Fifth member’s household to connect while sharing a meal. Please arrive a few minutes before 6:00 PM to arrive at the host home on time.

3-5-24

Large group will meet on Sunday, March 10 in Fifth’s Lobby from 6-8 PM.

2-27-24

The last Profession of Faith Class will be on Sunday, March 3 at 9:00 AM.

2-20-24

Students will be at Winter Camp this weekend. Please be in prayer for God to move in and through those who attend.

There will be no large group on Sunday due to Winter Camp.

2-13-24

Fundraiser Lunch on Sunday, March 17

Current 8th-12th grade students from Fifth will be going to Buena Vista, CO from June 22-29 for a backpacking and whitewater rafting trip. The students and leaders are offering lunch after the service on Sunday, March 17 in Community rooms 2 and 3 for anybody interested in donating toward the trip. The lunch will be a buffet of different items with some tasty desserts.

Here is the fundraiser lunch sign up. Connect with Sam Eldersveld with any questions.

If you’d prefer to donate online, you can click here and select ‘student ministries donation’.

2-6-24

Middle and high school students are welcome to come watch the first half of the Super Bowl from 6-8 PM at Pastor Sam’s house on Sunday, February 11. Please connect with Pastor Sam if you plan on attending. Large group will resume on Sunday, February 18.

1-30-24

Upcoming Profession of Faith Classes – Feb. 4, 11, 18, and Mar. 3 at 9:00 AM

Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.

Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?

This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.

Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.

1-23-24

On Sunday, January 28, middle and high school students are invited to go tubing at Cannonsburg from 1:00-3:30 PM. This event will replace the regular gathering on Sunday night. Sign up here for tubing. Spots are taken quickly, so the sooner the better when signing up!

Upcoming Profession of Faith Classes – Feb. 4, 11, 18, and Mar. 3 at 9:00 AM

Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.

Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?

This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.

Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.

1-16-24

All middle and high school students are invited to come to Sam’s house on Sunday, January 21 at 3:00 pm for some food, fellowship, and football. After having the winter retreat canceled, let’s have some quality time together! Board games are available to play as well. Students can be picked up following the game around 6:30 pm. There will be a meal provided. Connect with Sam if you need his address. This event will replace the regular large group gathering.

On Sunday, January 28, middle and high school students are invited to go tubing at Cannonsburg from 1:00-3:30 PM. This event will replace the regular gathering on Sunday night. Sign up here for tubing. Spots are taken quickly, so the sooner the better when signing up!

1-9-24

Middle and high school students will be at winter camp the weekend of January 12-14, so there will be no large group on Sunday, January 14. Large group will resume on Sunday, January 21.

Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.

Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?

This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.

Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.

1-4-24

12-27-23

The next student ministries gathering will be at winter camp at Grace Adventures from January 12-14. There will be no large group on the night of January 14 due to winter camp. Happy New Year!

12-19-23

Student Ministries will be on hiatus until January 8. Enjoy the holidays!

12-12-23

Middle and high school students are invited to the end-of-the-semester Christmas party from 6-8 PM on Sunday, December 17. The group will collect Christmas gifts for a refugee family and will enjoy some hot chocolate and dessert afterward.

Also, there is a waitlist for winter camp from January 12-14 at Grace Adventures, but if you get your name on the list now there is a good chance you can make it to camp. Sign up here.

12-1-23

Middle and high school students are invited to come and see the Christian musical, Pilgrim, at Cornerstone University on Sunday, December 10. The group will leave the Fifth parking lot at 6:30 and will return by 9:30 PM. This event replaces the normal large group gathering. Check out the musical here. Anybody outside of student ministries is welcome to join! The event is free but let Sam Eldersveld know since tickets are required.

The last gathering of the semester will be on Sunday, December 17 for the Christmas party from 6-8 PM at Fifth.

Lastly, winter camp sign-ups are still open! Winter Camp is from January 12-14 at Grace Adventures. Sign up now since there is currently a waitlist.

11-28-23

Large group will meet at 6 PM on Sunday. Friends are always welcome.

Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:

  1. Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
  2. Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.

11-21-23

There is no student gathering on Sunday, November 26. Happy Thanksgiving!

If you haven’t signed up for winter camp from January 12-14, do it now right here! There will be a waitlist for camp, so your chances are better if you sign up sooner rather than later.

11-14-23

Friendsgiving is happening this Sunday, November 19 from 4:30-5:45 PM! This is a nice Thanksgiving meal that the students and leaders enjoy in room 201. All students and leaders are encouraged to join and bring a friend.

Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:

  1. Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
  2. Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.

11-7-23

Middle and high school students have regular large group on Sunday, November 12 from 6-8 PM in the Fifth lobby.

Friendsgiving is happening on Sunday, November 19 from 4:30-5:45 PM! This is a nice Thanksgiving meal that the students and leaders enjoy in room 201. All students and leaders are encouraged to join and bring a friend.

Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:

  1. Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
  2. Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.

Here are a couple of pictures from the small groups from Sunday, November 5.

11-01-23

Middle and high school students are invited to participate in dinner host night on Sunday, November 5. Each small group will head to a different household from the Fifth family to share a meal together. The goal is for students to connect with the broader church and experience Christian community outside of the church walls. Students are encouraged to arrive at church prior to 6pm and will head to their host’s house as a small group. Connect with Sam Eldersveld with any questions.

10-24-23

There is a corn maze event at Deep Roots Produce Farm for all middle and high school students on Friday, October 22. More information and the sign-up is found here.

Large group on Sunday, October 29 is from 6-8 PM for middle and high school students. The lesson will be from James 2:1-7 and a meal will be provided.

10-18-23

On Sunday, October 22 students will be participating in a small group night, where each small group does an activity together. Students will meet at church at 6 PM and head off as a small group afterward. There is no meal provided this evening.

Also, there is a corn maze event at Deep Roots Produce Farm for all middle and high school students on Friday, October 22. More information and the sign-up is found here.

10-5-23

Calling all Fifth people! The start of Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”….a great way to tell of God’s redemption is through sharing your personal faith journey or a recent movement of God in your life. Young people, especially middle and high school students, are constantly wondering about God’s activity in our world today. They wonder about why people gather on a Sunday morning, sing songs, and listen to a teaching on scripture.

You’re invited to a large group gathering to share your faith journey! Come in and encourage young people that God is actively involved in our lives and that his mercies are new every morning. Share the impact of a church family on your life and why in the world you follow Jesus when it seems like he’s not there. If you’re feeling a tugging on your heart to share your story, please connect with Sam Eldersveld.

10-3-23

The fall retreat will be this weekend, October 6 & 7 at Cranhill Ranch. Please be in prayer for those attending.

There will be a bonfire on Sunday, October 8 at 6:00 PM.

9-21-23

The fall kickoff on September 17 went really well! There was great energy and plenty of laughter. Check out highlights of student ministry gatherings on the Instagram page.

The sign-up for the fall retreat at Cranhill Ranch from October 6-7 is still available. Here is the sign-up with more information.

9-12-23

Fall kickoff is this week Sunday, September 17 from 6-8 PM at Fifth. Come and bring your friends!

8-22-23

The fall kickoff for students in 6-12 grade is on Sunday, September 17 from 6-8 PM at Fifth. Each Sunday night this semester, students will gather to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This growth happens through mentoring, scripture lessons, large group activities, and serving the community. Students do not have to be members at Fifth to participate in student ministry activities.

Adults at Fifth, if you have a God story you would like to share with students or are willing to host a small group of students at your house for dinner, please connect with Sam Eldersveld.

8-8-23

Student Ministries is still looking for one more female leader to help lead middle school girls starting this fall. If you or anybody you know may be interested, please connect with Pastor Sam.

7-21-23

There are two student events happening on Tuesday, August 1. In the morning, we’ll serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm, and in the evening, we are headed to the Whitecaps game. All students from 6th-12th grade are invited. Connect with Sam Eldersveld to sign up!

7-12-23

Student Ministries is looking for one more female leader to help lead middle school girls starting this fall. If you or anybody you know may be interested, please connect with Pastor Sam.

7-7-23

There is one student Bible study left on Friday, July 14. We’ll read through John 5 in the lobby at Fifth at 10 AM. Come join! There will be snacks and drinks provided.

On Tuesday, July 11, students have an opportunity to help serve with Kid’s Food Basket. KFB has a wonderful farm, where they grow crops to give to Grand Rapids families who are struggling with hunger. They need the help of volunteers to keep the farm in good shape, so that’s where we come in. From 9-11 AM on the 11th, we’ll be doing some weeding and gardening at the farm (1300 Plymouth Ave NE). Students can meet at church at 8:45 AM. Please sign up here.

The following Tuesday, July 18, students are invited to serve with ICCF. ICCF helps provide affordable housing for families in need in Grand Rapids. They purchase homes, remodel them, and sell them at a lower cost so that lower-income families can afford a home. Our group will help clean up a home from 1-4 PM. Please sign up here.

On Saturday, July 22, there is a student ministries beach day! The group will head out to the Holland area and enjoy a day soaking up the sun. A family from Fifth is hosting the group, so we’ll spend time at their cottage. Plan on around 10 AM-6 PM for that day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Lastly, vacation Bible school is coming up! The dates are July 24-27 and if students are interested in helping set up, that will take place on Friday, July 22 at church. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

6-30-23

Student ministries have great opportunities to connect and serve in the month of July. First, only two Bible studies are left (July 7, and July 14) and anybody of middle or high school age is invited. Bible study happens at 10 AM in the Fifth lobby and the group reads through John’s gospel. Goodies are provided.

On Tuesday, July 11, students have an opportunity to help serve with Kid’s Food Basket. KFB has a wonderful farm, where they grow crops to give to Grand Rapids families who are struggling with hunger. They need the help of volunteers to keep the farm in good shape, so that’s where we come in. From 9-11 AM on July 11, we’ll be doing some weeding and gardening at the farm (1300 Plymouth Ave NE). Students can meet at church at 8:45 AM. Please sign up here.

The following Tuesday, July 18, students are invited to serve with ICCF. ICCF helps provide affordable housing for families in need in Grand Rapids. They purchase homes, remodel them, and sell them at a lower cost so that lower-income families can afford a home. Our group will help clean up a home from 1-4 PM. Sam will send out a sign-up for this after the fourth of July.

On Saturday, July 22, there is a student ministries beach day! The group will head out to Holland and enjoy a day soaking up the sun. A family from Fifth is hosting the group, so we’ll spend time at their cottage. Plan on around 10 AM-6 PM for that day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Lastly, vacation Bible school is coming up! The dates are July 24-27 and if students are interested in helping set up, that will take place on Friday, July 22 at church. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

6-27-23

Students are invited to Bible study at 10 AM this Friday, June 30 in the Fifth Lobby. There will be donuts and other snacks provided.

6-20-23

Last call for Cedar Point tickets. RSVP to seldersveld@fifthrc.org.

Continue to pray for those serving in Valladolid this week.

6-13-23

Our trip to Cedar Point is coming on Wednesday, June 28! Call Sam Eldersveld in the church office to sign up. Tickets will be purchased prior to the 28th.

6-6-23

Cedar Point Event: Wednesday, June 28. The group will be headed out at 6 AM from the Fifth parking lot and returning between 9-10 PM. To sign-up and for more information click Cedar Point 2023. Sign-ups are due ASAP or by June 25 since tickets will be purchased a few days in advance.

Check out the summer schedule of events for students below.

Lastly, be praying for the trip to Valladolid coming up from June 17-24! There is a group of 14 wonderful people going and we look forward to seeing what God is doing through Pastor Eduardo and other church plants in the area.

5-30-23

All incoming 6th-12th grade students are invited to the Student Ministries gatherings over the course of the summer. There are events happening in June, July, and August. Friends are welcome to join and sign-ups will be sent out to parents prior to the events. There is no need to sign up for the morning Bible studies in the Fifth lobby. I will see you this summer! – Sam

Our first summer event will be a bonfire at church on Wednesday, June 7. If you’d like to stay updated and don’t have a schedule, reach out to Sam at seldersveld@fifthrc.org.

Be praying for the trip to Valladolid coming up from June 17-24! There is a group of 14 wonderful people going and we look forward to seeing what God is doing through Pastor Eduardo and other church plants in the area.