CMConnect

(Updated August 1)
________

WELCOME WEEKEND
ALL-CHURCH and NEIGHBORHOOD-FOCUSED event will be kicking off Friday, September 5, with a Family Movie Night and culminating in a church/neighborhood barbecue, a ministry opportunity fair, and many fun activities for all ages on SUNDAY, September 7. We are excited to kick off a new program year together! Head to “Howdy Hub” in the mixing area to find info about volunteer opportunities. WE NEED YOUR NAMES BY AUGUST 24! With ???s, contact Doris.

COMMUNION: THIS Sunday (Aug 3) we will be celebrating the sacrament of communion. During the serving of the elements, take time to meditate and think deeply on what Christ has done for you. The music is designed to help us focus on Christ and His selfless sacrifice.

VALUES UPDATE: At last week’s congregational meeting, we voted to recommend proposed new CMC Values to the Full Consistory. They will take this affirmation, along with input from the town hall meeting, to make a final decision about adopting these Values. To learn more about what it means to be Worshiping, Welcoming, Growing, Giving, Inviting, United and Caring. Pick up a copy of the values document at the Info Kiosk.

REFRESHED LOGO. We are introducing an enhanced logo with the addition of leaves, which symbolize that God is moving in a fresh, new way at CMC as we aim to be Rooted, Real, and Reaching. The transition will occur gradually, beginning with digital media. (We will be good stewards of our resources by using existing stationery, etc. before making the switch.)

DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY: What difference will our new Mission Statement make in the life of CMC? Soon, you will be introduced to our new Discipleship Pathway shaped by our Mission Statement. “Rooted, Real and Reaching” will have an impact on the education of our children, young people and adults. Pray not only for its success, but also for God’s guidance for your own participation in it, as student, helper, or leader.

EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP AT CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH— Save the date! Come on Wednesday evenings, September 10, 17, and 24 to learn more about becoming a member of our church family. For more details, contact Lynn White.

ROCK THE BLOCK: Wednesday, August 13, from 5-7pm. Our goal this year is to fill and give out 300 backpacks. For the 2025 supply list and flyers to hand out, visit the Rock the Block Kiosk. To volunteer for this event, reach out to Rachel.

NEW MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES BEGINNING IN THE FALL: We are excited to launch two new classes to help our youth become more ROOTED in Christ. We are looking for gifted teachers with a passion for teens to help shepherd them through these classes. Quality curriculum will be provided. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Suzanne.

GUYS NIGHT OUT: There will be NO Guys Night Out in July; however, mark your calendars for Thursday, August 28, when we’ll meet at Tom Van Zalen’s barn for a barbecue. Bring a dish to pass and hear from Chad Coppess with Grace Adventures as he shares a parable on a horse. With ???s, contact Doug Finn (dougfinn@yahoo.com or Brad Laninga (brad.laninga@gmail.com).

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CLASSES BEGINNING IN THE FALL: We are excited to offer Worship and Wonder and Second Hour (after service Sunday School) for our kids to become more ROOTED in Christ. We are looking for gifted helpers with a passion for kids. Quality curriculum will be provided. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rachel.

DO YOU ENJOY GREETING AND WELCOMING? We need YOU to give a warm greeting to guests and visitors, creating a positive first impression at Christ Memorial. Please contact Lynn White if you are interested in this ministry

FALL GROUPS AND CLASSES begin in just six weeks! Most Wednesday opportunities (including Wednesday night suppers) begin on September 10. Many Sunday opportunities begin on September 14. Information on all of our Adult Fall Opportunities will be available next Sunday, August 10!

FOOD ITEMS NEEDED FOR AUGUST: Consider bringing shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and toothpaste to the Collection Center in the mixing area to benefit People Helping People in Pullman.

HAPPY TOWN CHRISTIAN TRAVELERS—NEXT OUTING: Find a flyer at the Info Kiosk for more info on a trip to DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids to see the musical “Water for Elephants” on Wednesday, October 8, 7:30pm. Cost: $65. Registration Deadline: Monday, August 25. Contact Doris Van Kooten

DEMENTIA WORKSHOP—SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, September 27, 8:45am-1pm, in CMC’s Gathering Place. Speakers: Rev. Dr. Ben Mast, author of Second Forgetting & Rev. Dr. Suzanne McDonald, author of Dealing Faithfully with Dementia. This faith-based workshop will offer clarity, comfort, and guidance for those facing a dementia diagnosis—blending medical insight with Christian hope and compassion. Cost: $10 (lunch provided). Register by calling Evergreen Commons (616-355-5120).

GRIEVING OVER THE LOSS OF SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU? Our GriefShare groups provide a warm and caring environment offering you support and encouragement as you journey through your grief. We have two separate GriefShare groups beginning Monday, September 8 – December 1: (1-3pm) at Freedom Village and (6:30-8:30pm) at Christ Memorial. GriefShare brochures are avail- able at the Care Kiosk. Contact Lori for more information or to sign up.

WRITERS NEEDED FOR THE CMC ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: We are seeking contributors for our Advent devotional which will be published in November. If you have a Christmas-themed verse, poem, or reflection, contact Lori for more details. Submission deadline: October 1.

WE ARE HIRING!