Stanley & Monica Groothof
I’m a husband, dad, friend, and pastor. –S. I’m a wife, mom, friend, and homemaker. –M.
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Posted in: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter?
Trinity CRC's newsletter here in Rock Valley IA, called "News & Views," is published every other month. It typically includes:
:: a couple articles/reflections on Christian living in general (this month we featured a couple pieces focusing on prayer)
:: introduction to the next Song of the Month (we intentionally (re)learn a new(ish) song each month)
:: highlights from recent council meetings
:: updates on some of the church's ministries and/or mission partnerships
:: introductions to new members and highlights of significant events (births, marriages, transfers)
:: 2 featured families (who they are, where they live, how they met, best day of my life, best vacation, favorite Scripture, etc.)
:: list of members serving in a military, each issue featuring one of them with a bit more detail
We include numerous photos throughout, especially on the cover. It's printed in full color on tabloid-size paper, folded in half, usually 12 pages long. It's been very well received in large part because it's one way we nurture community, helping people get to know one another. It's also a way to communicate our church's values and/or things we're celebrating and looking forwards to.
Posted in: What Goes in Your Church Newsletter?
Hi Bryan! Something the leadership at Trinity CRC often hears is how it's hard (impossible, actually) to know everyone in a large congregation. The newsletter will not enable us to know everyone; however, it serves as a useful tool to help keep people in the loop about events and fellow members which we trust serves as one way to help people recognize they are indeed part of a community.
Posted in: Encountering Jesus at His Table More Frequently (Part 1)
Thanks, Colin! I don't address it in this series of articles, but sometime I'd like to blog about the CRC's preparatory forms and being "ready enough" to partake. In part 2 of this series, I talk about the fear of the Lord's Supper becoming too "ordinary" by celebrating it more frequently. I appreciate you reading this and commenting! =)
~Stanley
Posted in: Lent Series Preaching and Worship Ideas
Thank you for this wonderful gift, Jeff! I've done a series before on the words from the cross. I really like the Jericho road idea!
I think my favorite Lent-Easter series I've preached was when I connected the life of Joseph in Genesis with Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. I was surprised at the parallels and echoes between the two stories. You're welcome to see what I did on my blog: 4thpoint.wordpress.com/messages.
Gratefully,
Stanley
Posted in: A Lesson in Hospitality From My Visit to First Zion Baptist Church
I love their concept of membership! Great example of hospitality – thanks for sharing! ~Stanley
Posted in: Today I Feel a Little More Like Jesus
A remarkable and encouraging piece of writing. I've already shared it with several people. Thank you. ~Stanley
Posted in: Happy Dependence Day!
Thank you for this, Mark. This past Sunday I commented on our dependence on God, playing off Independence Day as you said in the comment above. I appreciate how you also write of our dependence on others, too! ~Stanley
Posted in: My Only Expertise
Insightful and profound. Thank you!
~Stanley
Posted in: Facebook's Easy Outrage: What's Your Experience?
Very powerful. I've been thinking about the outrage I try to quickly scroll past on FB, what it says about the people who post it and where faith intersects through it all. Thanks. ~Stanley
Posted in: Introducing...Jill Friend
Thank you, Jill, for serving in our Faith Formation Ministries! Blessings to you and your work! ~Stanley
Posted in: Trusting the Spirit
Thanks, Norman, for the good reminder. I've thought the same thing when selecting by lot is advocated on the grounds that it's more Spirit-directed. The Spirit works through our reflection and discernment, too!
Posted in: Trusting Papa
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing this here. ~Stanley