CMConnect

(Updated December 26)
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SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER: As we propose to celebrate together the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper on Epiphany Sunday, January 4, we come in awe and reverence for His precious sacrifice. If we are to experience this celebration with our Lord and be nourished by the Spirit, let us examine ourselves first: then eat the bread and drink from the cup.

SUNDAY COFFEE BAR/SNACKS WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL SUNDAY, JANUARY 11.

CMC GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2026: You may pick up your giving envelopes by Entrance B. If you do not see your name or would like giving envelopes please contact Beth Smith (beths@christmemorial.org).

GROWING YOUNG BOOKS: The Growing Young Team wants to thank everyone who came out to hear Jake Mulder speak about how our church can better engage the next generation. We pray that this will bear fruit! If you would like to order either of the books he referenced: Growing Young ($12) or Future-Focused Church ($14), please email dorisvk@christmemorial.org by January 5. Both books are also available for your Kindle or as an audio- book on Amazon.

GROWING YOUNG AUTHOR PRESENTATION: If you were not able to attend Jake Mulder’s presentation this past Sun- day as part of the CCLI class relating to the Growing Young book he’s written, here is the link.

ALL ADULT GROUPS AND CLASSES RESUME IN JANUARY:

  • WEDNESDAY night supper, groups, and classes are in recess until Wednesday, January 7.
  • SUNDAY groups and classes, including CCLI are in recess until Sunday, January 11.

GUYS NIGHT OUT: Hey, Guys! Come for pizza at the next Guys Night Out event on Thursday, January 22, at 6:00pm at Gateway Mission’s brand new men’s shelter at 643 S. Waverly Road in Holland. Questions? Text Paul 616-291- 5494, Brad 616-318-4426, or Doug 616-283-0545.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP WINTER RETREAT: Join other high schoolers at Grace Adventures on Friday, January 16, 6pm -Sunday, January 18, 2pm. Activities will include lip sync & color team battles, small group time, horseback riding, sledding, worship, and more. Cost: $80. Registration Deadline: Monday, December 29, at noon. Contact Doris (dorisvk@christmemorial.org) for the registration link or with questions.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP—CAN YOU HELP? The high school youth group meets Sunday from 6:30-8pm in the youth center. Would you be willing to provide a meal for about 12 students and/or teach a brief lesson or share your personal testimony with the group? We want our young people to know how much we value and love them. If you are willing to help, contact Doris (dorisvk@christmemorial.org or 616-796-3342)

YOUTH PROFESSION OF FAITH: If you are interested in publicly professing your faith before your CMC church family on Sunday, May 3, please contact Doris (dorisvk@christmemorial.org) for more information. You will be assigned a mentor, and your eight mentor sessions will begin in January. Registration Deadline: Friday, January 2.

CREATION DANCER PRAYER PARTNERS: Stop by Kiosk 2 on Sundays, December 21 and 28, to learn more or to register to be a prayer partner for one or two of the 40 dancers involved in the “Creation Ballet” on Sunday, March 22. Your obligation would be to meet in the Sanctuary for fifteen minutes on five Sunday afternoons in order to become acquainted with and pray for the dancers. This is a way for us to continue to live into being an inter-generational church family!

WONDERING ABOUT NEW ADULT STUDY AND GROUP OFFERINGS FOR 2026? Stop by the Discipleship kiosks for more information on all of our opportunities. Questions or to sign up, contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361.

FOR ANYONE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE DUE TO DEATH: A GRIEFSHARE GROUP provides a warm and caring environment, offering you support and encouragement as you journey through your grief. Our next GriefShare group will meet on Mon- days, January 5—March 30 from 1-3pm in Room 166 (adult wing). GriefShare brochures are available at the Care and Discipleship Kiosks. Contact Lori to sign up (lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361).

NAV 2:7 GROWING STRONG IN GOD’S FAMILY: ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM: Led by Ray and Sally Beerhorst and Navigator’s Chad Schreur, your walk with God will be strengthened through enriching Bible study and group interaction, Scripture memory, learning ways to meditate on Scripture and more. Sign up at the Discipleship Kiosk for this course designed to help you become more deeply “Rooted in Christ.” Meeting Sunday mornings beginning January 11.

WINTER 2026 WEDNESDAY MORNING WOW begins on January 7. There are two study options available: Heaven – When Faith Becomes Sight led by Linda Woldring (meeting in Room 166 through April 1) and The Gospel on the Ground – The Grit and Glory of the Early Church in Acts led by a team of women (meeting in Room 167 and multiple other rooms in the adult wing through April 8). More info and sign-up at the Discipleship Kiosk. To ensure materials are available for you, advance sign up is recommended!

ONE ANOTHERING: Let’s choose each other in a politically divided world. This Colossian Forum group isn’t about changing your political position, but it will help you to learn how to acknowledge other’s differing beliefs and still be in relationship with them. Wednesdays, January 21 – March 18, 6-7:30pm (Room 162-163). Sign up at the Discipleship kiosk or by email to lorib@christmemorial.org. Group size is limited!

KIDS HOPE USA: Holland West is in need of new children’s mittens and gloves. Waterproof rather than knit are preferred. Please put in the Kids Hope basket in the collection center in the mixing area. Contact Carrie if you have questions: carrieh@christmemorial.org

FOOD ITEMS FOR PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE: For the month of January, consider bringing canned fruit and vegetable plus cereal to the Collection Center in the mixing area.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT VERSITI BLOOD DRIVE: Mark your calendars for the next one here at CMC in the youth center on Tuesday, January 13, 2:30-7:00pm. Use Entrance F.

NEXT FREE NON-CERTIFIED HEARTSAVER CLASSES: When you, your neighbor, or a family member experience a sudden cardiac arrest, by learning CPR you can improve their chances of survival. CMC is offering a 90-minute class where you will learn hands-only adult, child, and infant CPR; how to use an AED; and how to relieve choking. Class Options: Saturday, January 10, 10- 11:30am, Room 168; Wednesday, March 25, chapel, 6-7:30pm; Wednesday, April 22, 6-7:30pm, Room 168; Tuesday, May 19, 10-11:30am, Room 167. Register at the Care Kiosk or contact Doris (dorisvk@christmemorial.org).

CALVIN JANUARY SERIES: CMC is taking a hiatus from hosting the series this year. We will consider it again for 2027. You may still attend through the following means: Evergreen Commons is a remote site or anyone can watch virtually at calvin.edu/January-series.