Interested In Learning to Run Sunday Morning Media?

If you are a TECHNICALLY inclined person who is looking for a place to serve the church in worship by running media, please talk to Dawn (463-3730). Volunteers are needed in this area and training is required. Our next training is scheduled for Saturday, March 2 from 9am-11am. Please consider offering your talents to our congregation!

Art of Marriage Event at Trinity Church Alma

The Art of Marriage Event is a video experience designed for church and community settings. It will be held March 1-2 at Trinity Church in Alma. The Art of Marriage Event consists of six video sessions over Friday evening and Saturday until 4pm. These videos combine dramatic stories, real-life testimonies, expert interviews, humorous vignettes and other teaching methods to lay out God’s design for marriage in a fresh, engaging way. Guests attending the event are each provided a manual with projects to help them apply the principles taught in each session, augmented by dozens of articles and additional content to help them dive deeper. Our event will include a catered lunch from Litwiller’s, refreshments and giveaways . Cost is $55 per couple. 463-6364 Click here for more information.

Parents’ Night – March 3rd

All parents invited to join their students for the March 3rd evening worship and events!

The Prodigal Son

Many thanks to those who participated in the creation of this video!

A FREE Night of Babysitting

Mark Mallia’s Christ Care small group is hosting a free babysitting evening so you can have a night out.  We will be caring for the kids in the 2′s & 3′s room of the church from 5-8 pm on Friday March 8th. Please RSVP to Mark by email or by phone 989-400-2794 for more information.

Footprints Missions Update & Luncheon

Come and join the Footprints Missions team for lunch on March 10th following the 2nd service at His Place.  We will display different aspects of our trip describing life in Sierra Leone, Africa.  There will be a short presentation during lunch about Sierra Leone, our ongoing ministry there, and a summary of the projects that were accomplished during the 10 days.  We welcome children and will use discretion on pictures of surgical procedures. A love offering will be taken to help offset the cost of the luncheon.

An Evening of Vision, Strategy and Planning

for Ministry Team Members

All of our ministry teams are invited to join together for an evening of vision, strategy and planning on Thursday, February 21st, from 7:00 to 8:45 pm in the west room. We will focus briefly on our congregation’s priorities for ministry for the coming year and then each ministry team will brainstorm ministry goals. We are working together to join our lives to God’s love for the world!

Thank You!

A big THANKS to our “Heart and Sole” 5k Sponsors!  Family Fare ~ Seals, Bartz, Tacia and Whitmore ~ MidMichigan Medical Center ~ Alma Family Practice ~ Screen and Stitch ~ Garr Tool ~ AND… Thank you to all who volunteered and participated in our first ever 5k Run/Walk and Family Health Fair at His Place.  Congratulations to Charlie Stack the male overall winner & Alison Lebron the female overall winner.  ~ The His Place Team

Walk for Warmth

On Saturday, February 23rd @ 10:30am, EightCAP, Inc. will hold their 8th Annual Walk for Warmth event at His Place.  As part of the effort during these walks EightCAP will hold a soup/chili cook-off.  A small crock pot is all that is needed, or you can even have more than one soup.  Please also bring bread, cookies, etc. with your soup(s).  Judging will be done by donations ~ if samplers like the soup, they donate more money into that group/individual’s jar.  Whoever raises the most money is the winner!  The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each event will be recognized.  EightCAP would like to have some idea of how many entries they will have, so they are asking you to drop email (jan1@8cap.org) or call (616-754-9315 x3345) to let them know that you will be bringing an entry.  Everyone is invited to Walk during this event.  Each walker who turns in at least $35 in pledges the day of the event will receive a FREE W4W t-shirt.  Walker registration/pledge forms can be found at the Welcome Center.

Art of Marriage Event at Trinity Church Alma

The Art of Marriage Event is a video experience designed for church and community settings. It will be held March 1-2 at Trinity Church in Alma. The Art of Marriage Event consists of six video sessions over Friday evening and Saturday until 4pm. These videos combine dramatic stories, real-life testimonies, expert interviews, humorous vignettes and other teaching methods to lay out God’s design for marriage in a fresh, engaging way. Guests attending the event are each provided a manual with projects to help them apply the principles taught in each session, augmented by dozens of articles and additional content to help them dive deeper. Our event will include a catered lunch from Litwiller’s, refreshments and giveaways . Cost is $55 per couple. 463-6364 Click here for more information.

Interested In Learning to Run Sunday Morning Media?

If you are a TECHNICALLY inclined person who is looking for a place to serve the church in worship by running media, please talk to Dawn (463-3730). Volunteers are needed in this area and training is required. Our next training is scheduled for Saturday, March 2 from 9am-11am. Please consider offering your talents to our congregation!

Parents’ Night – March 3rd

All parents invited to join their students for the March 3rd evening worship and events!

Worship Theme for Lent:  “Lost and Found:  Persistent Grace for the Prodigal”
Reflections from Dawn…

“Prodigal.” I used to think this word meant “one who goes away then returns”, kinda like a boomerang. But my dictionary defines prodigal as, “Recklessly wasteful; extravagant”. In the story we know as The Prodigal Son we see the extremes of this definition played out as we journey through Lent toward Easter. This year our theme is:  “Lost and Found:  Persistent Grace for the Prodigal”.  Each week we will be looking at a different character or aspect of this familiar and profound story  as we let the incredible grace of a welcoming father lead us to the cross.

Return Prayer Labyrinth – Ash Wednesday

The Season of Lent is a challenge for each of us to stop and examine how we live under the power of Christ and to align ourselves to Him through the way of the cross. This season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 13th with a Prayer Walk open to the whole community. The Prayer Walk is a self-guided, 45 minute worship experience designed for all ages.

• Self-Guided Prayer Walk
• Place to focus on God
• A Journey – encourages you to take heart no matter where you are in life

Lenten Disciplines

The season of Lent is a journey toward the heart of God. Pastor Steve has written a brief introduction to the spiritual disciplines of Lent, which is available at the Welcome Center or you may download it right here.

Daily Devotional for Lent

Check out the daily devotionals on Pastor Steve’s blog that will be available each day except Sundays, Wednesday, February 13, through Easter Sunday, March 31.

An Evening of Vision, Strategy and Planning for Ministry Team Members

All of our ministry teams are invited to join together for an evening of vision, strategy and planning on Thursday, February 21st, from 7:00 to 8:45 pm in the west room. We will focus briefly on our congregation’s priorities for ministry for the coming year and then each ministry team will brainstorm ministry goals. We are working together to join our lives to God’s love for the world!

Walk for Warmth

On Saturday, February 23rd @ 10:30am, EightCAP, Inc. will hold their 8th Annual Walk for Warmth event at His Place.  As part of the effort during these walks EightCAP will hold a soup/chili cook-off.  A small crock pot is all that is needed, or you can even have more than one soup.  Please also bring bread, cookies, etc. with your soup(s).  Judging will be done by donations ~ if samplers like the soup, they donate more money into that group/individual’s jar.  Whoever raises the most money is the winner!  The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each event will be recognized.  EightCAP would like to have some idea of how many entries they will have, so they are asking you to drop email (jan1@8cap.org) or call (616-754-9315 x3345) to let them know that you will be bringing an entry.  Everyone is invited to Walk during this event.  Each walker who turns in at least $35 in pledges the day of the event will receive a FREE W4W t-shirt.  Walker registration/pledge forms can be found at the Welcome Center.

High School Trip To Chicago – April 12-14:
Dare 2 Share Youth Conference

We will be partnering with Bethel Lutheran Church to attend an evangelism training event – an entire weekend dedicated to helping our students passionately follow Christ and boldly share their faith and stories with their friends. Please see the youth bulletin board in the church narthex for sign-up and information. A $30 non-refundable deposit is due by March 10th to reserve your spot.

Heart and Sole

Plan now for the Heart and Sole 5K – February 9th, 2013.
5K Run/Walk: $20.00 (before Jan. 26th)
400 Meter Fun Run: $5.00 (before Jan. 26th)
Add $5.00 per registration after January 26th

Fun Run begins at 9:00am and the 5k begins at 9:15am!
Awards: Medals to top 3 male & female runners in each age group. Medals to top male & female walkers. Medals awarded to all Fun Run participants.

Participants receive an embroidered stocking hat!

All routes are on the streets. The 5k course is quick & mostly flat.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! >>Click Here<< — Or Download Your Registration Here: Heart and Sole 5k Registration

Plan to attend the Heart and Sole Fun Family Health Fair!

• Health & Wellness Information
• Games
• Food
• Kids Crafts
• During and after the race for runners/walkers and their families!

Volunteers Needed for Heart and Sole Event

Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Chris or Connie at His Place or phone 989-463-1676

Seekers Class

The Seekers Art Appreciation Discussion group would like to encourage people to visit the FLORA KIRSCH BECK GALLERY  on the campus of Alma College now through February 7th, where they have visiting artist; then join us for a discussion on February 10th  @ 5:30 in room 106.  Information on this event can be found at http://www.alma.edu/arts . 

Calling all actors ages 4 – 10!

This Saturday, February 9th at 1:00 pm the children’s church will be making a film about the Prodigal Son, taken from Luke 15:11.  Please have your son or daughter wear their favorite party clothes.  There are no speaking parts, they only need to be able to follow directions and have some fun.  We hope to be done by 3:00.  You are welcomed to stay and watch or just drop your kids off in the West Room of the church (the room next to our sanctuary).  This film will be used in a future worship service.  Should you have any questions please contact Sue Stack at 833-7186.  Thank you.

Ash Wednesday

The worship season known as “Lent” begins this Wednesday, February 13th.  Please plan to join us that evening for a prayer experience called “Return,” where you will be guided through meditations and prayers that will help you enter thoughtfully into this significant season of worship and service.  All are welcome!   This Ash Wednesday prayer service will take place at the Filling Station. Come and go as your schedule dictates any time between 6 and 8 p.m.

Lenten Devotionals

Beginning this Sunday, February 10 and each Sunday during the season of Lent, we will provide a devotional for your reading and reflection for each day of the week.  These devotionals will also be available on Pastor Steve’s blog, a link to which will be provided on our Facebook page and the weekly ePrompter.

Attention Ministry Team Members

All of our ministry teams are invited to join together for an evening of vision, strategy and planning on Thursday, February 21st, from 7:00 to 8:45 pm in the west room.   We will focus briefly on our congregation’s priorities for ministry for the coming year and then each ministry team will brainstorm ministry goals.  We are working together to join our lives to God’s love for the world!

Worship Survey Now Online

In an effort to solicit as much feedback as possible from the congregation, our Worship Pastor Search Committee would like to invite any members of the congregation who have not yet completed a worship survey to complete this brief questionnaire online. The committee invites you to share your thoughts and feedback.

>>CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY<<

Heart and Sole

Plan now for the Heart and Sole 5K – February 9th, 2013.
5K Run/Walk: $20.00 (before Jan. 26th)
400 Meter Fun Run: $5.00 (before Jan. 26th)
Add $5.00 per registration after January 26th

Fun Run begins at 9:00am and the 5k begins at 9:15am!
Awards: Medals to top 3 male & female runners in each age group. Medals to top male & female walkers. Medals awarded to all Fun Run participants.

Participants receive an embroidered stocking hat!

All routes are on the streets. The 5k course is quick & mostly flat.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW! >>Click Here<<  — Or Download Your Registration Here: Heart and Sole 5k Registration

Plan to attend the Heart and Sole Fun Family Health Fair!

• Health & Wellness Information
• Games
• Food
• Kids Crafts
• During and after the race for runners/walkers and their families!

Volunteers Needed for Heart and Sole Event

Volunteers are needed for this event. Please contact Chris or Connie at His Place or phone 989-463-1676

View a Report from the Footprints Missions Team:

Worship Survey Now Online

In an effort to solicit as much feedback as possible from the congregation, our Worship Pastor Search Committee would like to invite any members of the congregation who have not yet completed a worship survey to complete this brief questionnaire online. The committee invites you to share your thoughts and feedback.

>>CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY<<

Nine Who Dine – Please RSVP by 4PM Wednesday

Nine Who Dine groups are gatherings of nine (give or take) people who meet once each month to share a meal and enjoy one another’s company. The kickoff dinner for the next season of Nine Who Dine groups is Sunday evening, January 27th, at 5:30 pm in the West Room (adjacent to the sanctuary). Our small group ministry team will provide the meat and drinks. Please bring your own tableware and a side dish to share. Should you plan to attend the Nine Who Dine kickoff dinner, please RSVP to the church office (463-3730 or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 23rd, at 4:00 pm.

Looking for a new way to stay healthy? Join us January 26 at The Filling Station

Change Your Life with Young Living! This exciting workshop will feature special guest speaker, Stacey Kimbrell! Stacey is the author of the book Living Balanced: Healthy Mind & Body Reference Guide and a Young Living member since 2007. Also, joining us is Kathryn Conlen, a Craniosacral Therapist with Young Living since 1997.

Food, Fun, Giveaways
Our refreshments will feature recipes using Young Living products … so HEALTHY for you! Food, fun, giveaways and learning to enjoy life in good health. Great reasons to join us Saturday, January 26 at 9:30am! CLICK HERE for all the details. Or Find us on Facebook.

January Connection

Did you receive your copy of Connection? If not, click here to download it now!

Worship Survey

In an effort to solicit as much feedback as possible from the congregation, our Worship Pastor Search Committee would like to invite any members of the congregation who have not yet completed a worship survey to join us in the West Room next Sunday morning, January 20th, at 9:45 am. (during the Sunday School hour).  In addition to distributing this brief survey, the committee will invite you to share your thoughts and feedback. 

Nine Who Dine

Nine Who Dine groups are gatherings of nine (give or take) people who meet once each month to share a meal and enjoy one another’s company.  The kickoff dinner for the next season of Nine Who Dine groups is Sunday evening, January 27th, at 5:30 pm in the West Room (adjacent to the sanctuary).    Our small group ministry team will provide the meat and drinks.  Please bring your own tableware and a side dish to share.  Should you plan to attend the Nine Who Dine kickoff dinner, please RSVP to the church office (463-3730 or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 23rd, at 4:00 pm.  A sign-up sheet will also be available at the Welcome Center.

The Seekers

The Seekers Art Appreciation discussion group would like to encourage people to visit the Flor Kirsch Beck Gallery  on the campus of Alma College between January 16^th  and February 7^th , and/or attend the Alma College Dance Company Concert January 18th-20th, then join us for a discussion on February 10^th at 5:30 in room 106 of the church. Information on these events can be found at  http://www.alma.edu/arts . 

If you are interested and would like to tag team with someone to help coordinate this day, please contact Dean Humphrey or Pastor Ben.  We will provide all the information you need to have a great experience.  Thank you for your consideration.

January Connection

Did you receive your copy of Connection on Sunday? If not, click here to download it now!

Nine Who Dine groups are gatherings of nine (give or take) people who meet once each month to share a meal and enjoy one another’s company.  The kickoff dinner for the next season of Nine Who Dine groups is Sunday evening, January 27th, at 5:30 pm in the West Room (adjacent to the sanctuary). Our small group ministry team will provide the meat and drinks. Please bring your own tableware and a side dish to share. Should you plan to attend the Nine Who Dine kickoff dinner, please RSVP to the church office (463-3730 or firstcog@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 23rd, at 4:00 pm. A sign-up sheet will also be available at the Welcome Center.

2012 Christ’s Birthday Offering Update

We are pleased and very grateful to announce that to date we have received $8,266 for the Christ Birthday Offering!  These funds will be divided evenly and distributed to the microfinance ministry of Horizon International, Footprints Missions and Church of God Ministries.  Praise be to God!

Worship Survey and Conversation, January 20 at 9:45 am

In an effort to solicit as much feedback as possible from the congregation, our Worship Pastor Search Committee would like to invite any members of the congregation who have not yet completed a worship survey to join us in the West Room on Sunday morning, January 20, at 9:45 am. (during the Sunday School hour).  In addition to distributing this brief survey, the committee will invite you to share any thoughts and feedback you may have.

2013 Tithing

Tithing envelopes are available in the Narthex.  Should you wish to begin tithing a sign up sheet is also available or you may contact the church office at 463-3730. Would you rather give online? Visit our Alma Church of God Donation page – click here.

Snacks for Youth

Whether you’re a parent or just love students, please prayerfully consider bringing snacks for one (or two) Sunday nights during the school year.  You may sign up on line right here or contact Ginger Greenwood.

Adult Christian Education

Our Adult Christian Education program will be off to a fresh start with four classes studying brand new material. The classes meet from 9:45am to 10:45am between the first and second worship services. For fellowship, encouragement, and a challenge to your thinking, why not join one of the following classes:

Middle Ground

Location: His Place Conference Room

The Middle Ground class will be studying the book Honest to God by Bill Hybels. The study will be led by Dorothy Kelley.

The Seekers

Location: His Place Game Room

The Seekers class will be studying the book The Shack as parable on the nature of God and man and will be led by Paul Loney. Beginning March 17^th Randall Mead will lead the study “Is Hollywood Discipling You?” It will run through April 28^th.

Gaining Ground

Location: His Place Gym

The Gaining Ground class will be studying the parables of Jesus. The class will be led by Tim Sipka.

Young Adults

Location: Church Basement

Our Young Adult Christian Education class is geared towards those who are still trying to figure out where they are going in life (so most anyone, but usually people in their 20’s). The Young Adults will be studying Ecclesiastes and Malachi as part of the LIVE curriculum. Mark and Jamie Mallia and Maurie Leutkemeier are the teachers.

Sunday December 23rd:
8:30am and 11:00am Worship Celebration in the Sanctuary
9:45am Christian Education 

Volunteer’s Needed for New Year’s Eve

The Filling Station is looking for volunteers to help with the Youth New Year’s Eve Lock-in. We are in need of 6 chaperones as well as people willing to donate snack foods, breakfast cereals, beverages or milk. If you would be willing to help in any way, please contact the Filling Station (463-8903), Jamie Mallia, or Laura Karr.  Thank you!

Sunday December 30th:
One Worship Celebration at 11:00am in the Sanctuary
(No Christian Education.)

Reception for the Woolseys

December 30 marks the last day of Pastor Ron and Jackie Woolsey’s fruitful twenty-plus years of ministry in our church and community.  Please join us at His Place for a simple and informal reception for the Woolseys following the worship service (starting at approximately 12:15).  There will be no formal program for this reception.  Instead, we invite you to mix and mingle with the Woolseys and express your appreciation to them.  A box for cards will be provided. 

Church Directory

If you’ve recently changed an address, phone number(s) or had additions to your family or you simply wish to be included in the church directory, please complete this update the directory form. Thank you.

Come Home to Alma – Friday, December 14

The Honduras Mission team will be sponsoring a Baked Potato Dinner at His Place beginning at 5:00 pm. The dinner will include a baked potato with various toppings, homemade desserts and beverages all for only $5 each or $20 per family. A children’s plate with a hotdog is also available for $2.50.
	Our Worship Choir joins with dancers from the Academy of Performing Arts for another Come Home to Alma tradition. Performances are at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the Academy of Performing Arts studio, 319 N. State Street.
	Our student ministry is excited to present to our community a live re-telling of the true Christmas story.  Performances will be every 15 minutes from 6:00pm-9:00 pm, located at the West End of the Parking lot.

Volunteer’s Needed for New Year’s Eve

The Filling Station is looking for volunteers to help with the New Year’s Eve Lock-in. We are in need of 6 chaperones as well as people willing to donate snack foods, breakfast cereals, beverages or milk. If you would be willing to help in any way, please contact the Filling Station, Jamie Mallia, or Laura Karr.

Youth Scholarship Fund

There are students in need who would like to attend Winter Retreat in February. Anyone interested in contributing to a scholarship fund may contact Pastor Ben, or give a donation online here. Be sure to include a note that you would like your donation to go to the Youth Retreat Scholarship Fund.

Church Directory

If you’ve recently changed an address, phone number(s) or had additions to your family or you simply wish to be included in the church directory, please complete this form [click here]. The form is also available at the Church Welcome Center. Thank you.