The latest news & announcements
BUSY BAGS
Do you have a little one with you this Sunday? Busy Bags are available in the back of the sanctuary! Grab a bag for your child to enjoy during worship. Please return bags following the service.
THANKSGIVING OFFERING 2026—MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!
Our 2026 Thanksgiving Offering is officially underway with a goal of $180,000 to support six amazing organizations sharing God’s love in action! This Sunday, we welcome representatives from People Helping People and 70x7 Life Recovery. Stop by the Thanksgiving Offering table in the Mixing Area to meet our guests, learn more about their ministries and the projects we are supporting, and discover how you can be part of making a difference!
CONSISTORY LISTENS
If you have questions or comments you would like to share with one of the Consistory members, please come to the Fireside Café Area near the kitchen in the Gathering Area after the morning service THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8. Members from each of the Consistory Boards (Lead Elder, C2 Elders, and Deacons) are making themselves available the second Sunday of each month to talk with you.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN LIFE ISSUES THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Our guest speaker is Christy Berghoef speaking on “Home: Bittersweet Discoveries.” CCLI meets on Sunday mornings from 10:50–11:50am in the Chapel. We explore the most current and relevant faith and justice issues affecting our community, nation, and world. The goal of each session is to “think Christianly” about each topic so that we can live well together in God’s world. We hope you will join us for this presentation!
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
We hope you will join us THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT NOON IN THE GATHERING PLACE for a congregational meeting for an advisory vote on whether the consistory should issue a call to the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Elgersma to be our Lead Pastor of Preaching and Worship. Absentee ballots are available at the Info Kiosk and are due before the meeting is called to order. The consistory will meet immediately following to vote on whether to issue the call. Results of the consistory's voting will be announced in person later that day at the 4pm potluck, followed by a hymn sing. The results will also be sent out to the whole congregation on November 9. Please keep praying for Pastor Jonathan and Kendra, and for God to lead us as a church family.
CMC FAMILY POTLUCK AND HYMN SING THIS SUNDAY: We would love to have you join us THIS SUNDAY at 4:00pm!
You are welcome to attend the potluck, the hymn sing, or both. The potluck will be in the Gathering Place, with the hymn sing to follow in the Chapel at 5:00pm. Visit the Event Center after worship to sign up and to let us know what dish you plan to furnish.
Contact JillFREE NON-CERTIFIED HEARTSAVER CLASS
hen you, your neighbor, or a family member experience a sudden cardiac arrest, learning CPR 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: Wednesdays, November 11, Prayer Room, and December 9, 10–11:30am, Chapel. Register at the Care Kiosk or contact Doris.
Contact DorisWEDNESDAY NIGHT WEEKLY DINNER BEGINS AT 5PM IN THE GATHERING PLACE
This Wednesday’s menu: chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
GOD INCIDENTS: REAL LIFE STORIES TO STRENGTHEN AND RESTORE YOUR FAITH
Led by Glenn Wagner meets weekly on Wednesdays through December 2 (5:45–6:45pm / Room 165).
VISIT NARNIA AGAIN OR FOR THE FIRST TIME!
Join Pastor Suzanne on Wednesday nights from 6–7:30pm in the Prayer Room on November 11, 18, December 2, 9, and 16 for a "read aloud" and rich discussion of C.S. Lewis' classic book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Enjoy a cozy time of listening and imagination. This is for ALL AGES (most suitable for those 3rd grade–adult, with discussion geared toward adults). Please sign up at the Adult Discipleship Kiosk.
Contact LoriMONTHLY PRAYER GATHERING
Thursday, November 12, 6:30–7:15pm, in the Chapel. November Theme: Waiting on God. Let’s join in prayer before God’s throne. All are welcome!
CRAFTED WITH PURPOSE—A NEW MONTHLY OUTREACH EVENT AT CMC
Gather your friends for a festive evening of making beautiful Christmas projects, enjoying refreshments, and celebrating the message of Joy to the World on Thursday, November 12, 6:30–9pm, in the Gathering Place! Tickets are $25 and include watercolor Christmas cards and a Christmas simmer pot gift. Go to http://www.craftedwithpurpose.co to learn more and to purchase a $25 ticket. Also, there is a need for homemade cookies and volunteers at each craft station, so if you’re willing to provide cookies or lend a hand, contact Mayah (mayah@craftedwithpurpose.co).
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
Have you lost a loved one and are wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading the holiday season, knowing that everything has changed? Hosted by GriefShare facilitators Diane Smith and Mark Lawless, at our Surviving the Holidays event you’ll receive helpful information on how to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays, what to do about traditions and other coming changes, helpful tips for surviving social events, and how to discover hope for your future. This one-session event will be held on Sunday, November 15, from 3–5pm in Room 169. For more information or to sign up, contact Lori at 616-796-3361. This event is open to anyone in the community. Please share this info with others you know are grieving the loss of a loved one.
THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS
We have begun to collect food boxes for families connected to our Doors of Hope Ministry along with those in our church family and neighborhood. Also, if you are aware of a family that could use a box along with a turkey, contact Lynn. For those willing to pack a box or two, pick up a card with a list of food items at the Information Kiosk or from the counter near Entrance D. Drop the boxes at the alcove near Entrance D. Return Deadline: Thursday, November 19. Thanks, CMC, for your generosity in preparing these boxes for our neighbors in need.
Contact LynnBETHANY CHRISTMAS PROJECT
Let’s make Christmas brighter for the foster children served by Bethany Christian Services! This year the Meijer or Walmart gift card amount has increased from $60 to $80, which will allow each child to receive an extra $20 to enjoy something special from their Christmas wish list. Sign up at the table in the Mixing Area. Gift cards are due Sunday, November 22.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Go to the table between Entrances B & C to pick up your shoeboxes. This annual Samaritan’s Purse Ministry provides Christmas gifts for children all around the world. Last year 12.2 million were shipped (up from 11.9 million in 2024) with an invitation tucked inside to a Bible club in their village. Return Deadline: Sunday, November 22.
Contact DorisGUYS NIGHT OUT
This group will not meet in November or December, with Thanksgiving and Christmas falling on the fourth Thursdays of the month. Watch for more event details in the new year!
MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!
You are warmly invited to our upcoming Christmas Wreath Workshop on Monday, November 30 at 6:30pm in CMC's Stable. Come enjoy a festive evening of crafting, fellowship, and fun as we create beautiful holiday wreaths together! Space is limited, so be sure to sign up this Sunday to reserve your spot. Cost: $10.
Contact JillCHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING “ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS,” AN ANNUAL 55+ EVENT
Thursday, December 10, 6pm, in the Chapel. Come for a delicious dinner and show featuring vocal and instrumental music and stories. Registrations and payments will be accepted weekdays in the church office or at the Event Center on Sundays, November 8, 15, 22, and 29. Ticket Cost: $25.
Contact DorisRESTHAVEN MAPLEWOODS RESIDENT CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Last year the Care Team learned that many residents at RestHaven Maple Woods have no one to remember them at Christmas. Our CMC members responded in a beautiful way and covered all the gift needs. If you are willing to provide a gift this year, find postcards with resident names and gift ideas at the table near the Care Kiosk. Return Date: Monday, December 14. Examples of items that appear on the postcards: word search books, lotions, small throws, etc. Thanks so much for considering this giving opportunity.
VALET PARKING
e are exploring the possibility of valet parking for the winter months. If you have an interest in someone parking your car when you come to Sunday worship, please contact Doris in the Care Department
Contact DorisCHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH’S BRANDED ITEMS ARE OUT FOR EASY VIEWING!
You can find this merchandise on display in the Mixing Area. If you would like to browse additional options that are not currently on display or if you would like to purchase items, please visit the online store. If you need help placing an order, you can stop by the church office during regular office hours.
Go to StoreAROUND THE CLOCK PRAYER FOR ENCOMPASSKIDS
The mission team that just returned from South Africa would like to pass on a word of thanks from those serving in the encompassKids and Courage Movement ministries there for our prayers that were spoken for them recently. Prayer changes things!