Nurture Ministry Marj Haney, Director (ext. 15) Heidi De Moss, Director of Adult Ministry Spark Rotation
Family camps
For February we will look at a lesser known Bible story, the story of a banquet that took place at the Pharisee Simon’s house and the events that happened there. Cooking will be one of the centers this time around :) The bible reference is Luke 7: 36-50 ~ God forgives our sins.
Two opportunities for family camp are being offered this summer. The first will be June 14-16 at TriPonds Campground in Allegan. The cost is $80 for the weekend and we have 14 sites reserved. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested. The first night’s deposit has been paid and needs to be paid back soon. If we don’t have enough interest, we will cancel. Please see Marj or Tim Haney to sign up.
Movie Night February 8th Come to the lounge at 6:30 and enjoy the premiere of the latest Veggie Tales movie “The Little House that Stood” shown on our big screen TV. Popcorn and drinks will be served. Bring a snack to share if you’d like. We’ll be done by 8. Bring all your friends and come as you are...PJs welcome!
The second weekend will be Aug. 9-11 at Lakeview Campground north of Grand Rapids on the shores of beautiful Townline Lake. This is a UM campground. We have 16 sites reserved for that weekend. The first night’s depos-
it has also been paid for this weekend so please let Marj or Tim Haney you are interested asap to claim your site. Check out all there is to do at this campground at www.lakeviewcamp.org Summer Camp Time! Summer camp season will soon be here as will the brochures. Please plan on sending the children and youth in your life to a week away that they will never forget. Brochures will be in the literature racks at both entrances and information will be on bulletin boards. The church will pay 1/2 of a week for active member’s children - made possible by your generous donations to the $10 for 10 campaign.
From Heidi De Moss Les Misérables Film Review - - - Must see!! I recently saw the current film adaptation of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. It was not my first exposure to the story. I have watched the 1998 film version multiple times, experienced the musical setting on stage, and listened to the Tokyo cast recording until I can sing the whole along with them. (If you have not had one of these experiences, avail yourself, it is worth your time.) I found this latest offering wonderful in its presentation of the truths in Hugo’s story. Les Misérables gives us a chance to glimpse Grace in action. Spoiler alert - If you are unfamiliar with the story, skip to the end paragraph now! Jean Valjean’s understanding of the world and himself is changed by the Grace offered to him by the Bishop Myriel. Valjean can no longer approach the world without offering the same Grace. He offers Grace to a whole community, as mayor and factory owner. But when an individual could be saved by him, at possible risk of the community and himself, he chooses the individual. Javert has understood the law to be God’s way, and his role of keeping the law as keeping God’s world intact. For Javert allowing Valjean to live outside the dictates of the law, and offer Grace to others outside of the law is living outside of God’s planned structure. It is a world that Javert cannot understand. Valjean rather than see Javert as an adversary, sees him as a man who has done his duty as he understands it, and offers Grace freely to Javert as well. All of the other characters in this story of Grace have pieces of wisdom to offer to us as well. I have seen reviews written by film critics and general film goers of this latest film version. Almost all come away greatly moved and raving. But I have yet to read a review which says the reason it is so powerful is that it points to the truths of God’s Grace freely given to each of us. We find it so powerful because the life displayed, and joy found by Valjean is the joy and Grace we all wish for - found in God, and offered freely back to all those around Page 4
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