The Vine - January 19, 2025

Please note that our newsletter is now in text only format - without images.

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Pastor’s Pen

 

EMPOWERED FOR WITNESS

 

In the fall, several of us from West Leonard got involved with a program hosted at Gold Avenue Church (one of our sister churches in Classis Grand Rapids North) called Empowered for Witness. Each time they have held this course, the focus has been on a different element of how we bring the love and power of Jesus to our world, and this time the focus was on prayer. This class was truly life changing for us, and we shared with each other how much of a difference this had made in our prayer life, our relationship with God and our sense of the powerful role of prayer in God's work in this world. 

 

Because of my position as pastor, you all often have a chance to hear how something has made a difference in my life through my preaching and teaching; but this time, I wanted to have you hear it from someone else! To share with you all the difference this class has made, I have asked those who attended to briefly share a bit about how EFW has blessed them.  So here are testimonies from some of the

EFW Participants:

 

Linda Rienstra:

What is God teaching you? Each week’s Reflection page asked this question.  My first answer was: Ask God for what He promises.

On my own, I’m so definitely lacking. If I don’t love enough, I can ask for love. If I can’t reach someone right in front of me, I can ask for gifts that empower me for witness. God’s storehouse is open.

 

And it just kept getting better from there. Being with other members of WL Church- learning about how Holy Spirit works with us and in us -leading us in praise and prayer -giving insight and then showing us as we “practiced” in small groups how He answers, heals and gives direction when we pray. Empowered For Witness Prayer and the Great Co-Mission has been wow! And also very practical. I received healing spiritually and physically, and I saw God work in others in similar ways. My (our) prayers are for God’s kingdom to come through WL by the power of God at work in us.

 

Julie Vanderslik:

I decided to take the Empowered for Witness class for two reasons: one, I felt a lack in my prayer life; and two, I felt a strong nudge from the Holy Spirit. I absolutely thought that I was supposed to go to this class.

 

Before I went to the class, I knew I would see, hear and experience things that would stretch me a little. It always sounds good to be stretched, but in reality it’s challenging. But when it was time for the class to start, I felt so open and ready for this stretching, which I now see as another gift from God.

 

The first night was so . . . big. When I got home my mom asked me how it went and I had no words to describe it. I just gestured with my hands. Kind of like I was doing the motions to the song “Deep and Wide.” The second week I talked with my mom for a long time, trying to describe the wonder and the joy I felt.

 

There were many times where someone would testify, even hesitantly, to something or some way they had seen God work in their lives since our last class. And there would be others who couldn’t believe they were hearing what they too had experienced! One night near the end of the class, we all put our chairs into a circle, and we prayed as we were led. We were encouraged to read or recite scripture and even sing if a song came to us. It was the most fantastic, incredible thing I have ever been a part of. As I was sitting there, listening and praying, I kept thinking, we should sing “Spirit of the Living God.” But I am not a singer, especially not by myself in front of a big group of people. I did NOT want to do it but

I also very much thought we needed to sing it. It was perfect for what was happening among us.

I argued with myself until I heard in my head,

as I have before, Pastor Matthew’s voice saying, DO NOT BE AFRAID. So incredibly I started to sing this song. After the first line, others joined in. It was really cool. The next week we spent some time talking about what we had experienced. I talked about how I was still stunned that I sang, but that I felt compelled. One man said that he was sitting there and was also thinking, “We should really be singing ‘Spirit of the Living God,’ but I did not want to start it. And while I was arguing with myself, you started to sing it.” We all chuckled at that but saw it as another way the Holy Spirit was working in us-- affirming, encouraging and challenging us.

 

I feel so strong and so, so happy. More than happy-- joyful really. And that has not lessened in the two months since the class concluded. So whatever I had in me before, now I have so much MORE. This MORE is incredible. It’s wonderful and far reaching. It has changed me; I feel brand new. And this joy - this MORE - I am convinced is just the beginning of what God will do with

and through me. And I believe that it is just the beginning-- a deposit of what God will do in and through our congregation.

 

Cory McCallum:

I thought Empowered for Witness was a very beneficial experience. Of all of the things that I personally benefited from during the class, the one that I most resonate with is that I have learned to be more receptive to the Holy Spirit and his work in my life. This proved to be very beneficial in my ministry because I have learned to rely more on the Spirit in my ministry, especially on days where I wasn’t entirely confident in my own abilities.

 

Another thing that has been a result of this is that I have learned to listen when the Spirit is prompting me to do something, even if it is not necessarily something I am comfortable with doing. A big thing to come from this is that when someone comes to me with something that I should pray for, I have taken to praying with them right on the spot instead of telling them I will pray for them and inevitably forget the conversation. All this to say that I have greatly benefited from learning more about the Spirit and how he works in my life.

 

I hope these testimonies have inspired you, encouraging you also to grow deeper in your prayer life. As God continues to grow West Leonard in the area of prayer, be on the lookout for opportunities to learn and practice this important part of the Christian life

“To pray without expectation is to misunderstand the whole concept of prayer and relationship with God.”                          - A.W. Tozer

 

Blessings,

Pastor Matthew

 

 

   

LATE NEWS FLASH
In September, I joined a group of 14 people from Classis Grand Rapids North for 48 hours in glorious Vancouver, British Columbia. It was beautiful outside! (and I did walk down by the river for a whole hour the first afternoon), and it was even more beautiful inside!

Let me backtrack  Gather is a series of 10 meetings of the Christian Reformed Church across the US and Canada that brings together 5 Classes (multiple of Classis) each time. Classis Grand Rapids North was grouped with Classis Los Angeles, Classis Pacific Northwest, Classis Alberta North and Classis British Columbia Southeast. Lots of Canadians, eh? 

 

My assigned group was very diverse: a young pastor’s wife, a very wise and pastoral old farmer, a middle/young female pastor originally from Venezuela, an almost elderly (older than me) gentleman from a Southern Baptist background, a first generation young Korean pastor, me, and a really great Canadian moderator of middling age. Our assignment over 48 hours was to follow the Emmaus Road (from Luke 24), sharing our own and our churches’ stories of what we had hoped, what has discouraged us, where we have seen God working through his Spirit, and what we believe God is doing right now. At each stage we studied scripture, discussed, prayed and wrote out a short synopsis, posting it on the wall under thematic headings. That huge wall became very crowded and a popular gathering place to read other stories. Our group -that started out with a few jarring bumps and bruises from differing views- became a functioning body that was sparked with hope because we saw God working in the CRC – Yes! - and also breaking down dividing walls as we worked together. 

These are a few of the overarching takeaways that were most affirmed:

 

Transformation – We believe God is . . . in the business of changing hearts and souls and our entire being through the work of the Holy Spirit and his Word.

 

Empowering – We believe God is raising up leaders in unexpected ways.

 

We believe God is giving us a taste of his Kingdom community.

 

Missional – We believe God is . . . turning our eyes and hearts toward our neighbors. Who is our neighbor?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       - Linda Rienstra

 

 

FALL NEIGHBORHOOD WORKDAY

The fall neighborhood workday took place on Saturday morning, September 28. 21 workers spread out over 7 different worksites to do yard work, sidewalk edging, organizing storage spaces and removing unwanted clutter. Workers in 2 pickup trucks made several trips to the Butterworth site to dispose of the yard waste. 6 of the 7 homeowners served live in our immediate church neighborhood. The seventh homeowner, who came to us through a referral from Volunteers In Service, lives on the northeast side of town.

 

Besides accomplishing the work requested by the homeowners, we intentionally took time to converse with them, encourage them and to pray with those who were open to that.

 

Lord willing, we plan to again reach out to our neighbors in this way in the spring of 2025. Hope you can join us then!                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        - Bob Hengeveld

 

 

Top Ten Most Wanted List

This information was submitted by one of our members

and was taken from a publication of the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

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What is a Top Ten Most Wanted List?

• Making a list of the ten people you know who need Jesus.

• Doing everything you can (appropriately) in your lifetime to attract them to Jesus.

• Praying until they come to know Jesus.

 

Who should you put on your list?

• The non-believers you love the most.

• Your worst enemy or your toughest competitor.

• Your family members, relatives or neighbors.

• Your classmates or co-workers.

 

What should I do?

Following are some brainstorming ideas/suggestions:

• Pray regularly for their salvation . . . as God brings them to mind.

• Find ways to converse or work side by side.

• Send them an occasional book, note, email or link to an online resource.

• Call or write to offer support during tough times or on special occasions.

• Love them (use your imagination)!

 

How to pray for the people on your top ten list:

As you pray, ask God to work in their lives and to give you wisdom on how to effectively reach out to them. Keep in mind the following three areas:

 

Them – Ask God to:

• Draw them towards Himself.

• Help them see their sin and their need for forgiveness.

• Remove the confusion they have about God.

• Help them grasp the meaning and importance of the cross of Christ.

 

You  - Ask God to:

• Give you wisdom to know how to approach the relationship.

• Grant to you appropriate boldness and courage.

• Use you to help lead this person to a relationship with Christ.

Together – Ask God to:

• Cause depth and trust to grow in the relationship.

• Open doors for spiritual conversations.

• Share testimonies of God’s work.

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MY TEN MOST WANTED

 

The following are the ten people I would most like to see come to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior:

 

1.  _____________________________________________________

 

2.  _____________________________________________________

 

3.  _____________________________________________________

 

4.  _____________________________________________________

 

5.  _____________________________________________________

 

6.  _____________________________________________________

 

7.  _____________________________________________________

 

8.  _____________________________________________________

 

9.  _____________________________________________________

 

10.  ___________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

“HOW DO I PRAY?”

Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an intimate conversation between you and God.

 

“I know why I should pray, but sometimes I just don’t know how.” 

 

Have you ever said these words to yourself? Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. It’s an intimate conversation between you and God. And there is no single right way to do it. But sometimes trying a new approach to prayer can reinvigorate your prayer life or motivate you to start again. ReFrame Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church has created a short e-book called How Do I Pray?, introducing six ideas, strategies, and methods to help bring new life to your practice of prayer or to get started for the very first time. Download it for free at:

ReFrameMinistries.org/ways-to-pray

 

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WINTER/EARLY SPRING CELEBRATIONS

(some belated)

80+ Birthdays

January 4          Helen DenBoer (83)

January 27        Merri Lou DeBoer (91)

February 15     Thelma Zeinstra (90)

February 19     David Brinks (80)

April 27             Carol Tyler (92)

 

Anniversaries

January 13        Jere & Carol Ann Keyes (35)

February 15     Ed & Barb DeKorte (40)

March 13          Brian & Deb Veenstra (33)

April 5               Dave & Mary Bouwkamp (57)

April 14             George & Jane Deremiah (18)

April 28             Gary & Teresa Allen (32)

April 30             Bill & Bonnie Wiersma (54)

 

Missionary Birthday

January 8           John Hoekwater

 

 

Tales from the ‘Hood

 

Of Dog Tracks and Footprints

 

Hi, everyone!! And happy winter!! As you well know, my grandma and I endeavor to keep patrolling our church neighborhood year-round, but this winter so far has been quite cold, even for us! More than once we were inundated with an unanticipated snow squall when we were far from home and returned substantially drenched! (I guess that is what we get for placing a “Let It Snow” sign on the front porch!) In fact, it’s been so cold lately that some days we are content to spend just a short time in the back yard. Grandma heaps up snow in piles and makes paths here and there while yours truly roots through the shrubs, looking for the occasional trespassing mouse or squirrel.  It’s fun, but I so prefer a walk when we can!

 

Sometimes during our walks, grandma sings. (I wish they made earplugs for dogs!) Sometimes she is praying. But sometimes she is telling me stories. Despite my inflated ego, it turns out that I am dog #7 in grandma’s life, but I have the unique status of being the last dog she thinks she will ever have. (Oddly, our current kitty is cat #7.) So occasionally these stories include mention of how she walked with Patches around certain locations, how she walked Stone and Buddy together (really??) and how she walked with Canon on the other side of Leonard Street. Hence, I am following a long line of her canine pals!

 

But here is something in the snow that she pointed out to me: dog tracks! As you know, we dogs mostly navigate by smell; but often when there is fresh powder, grandma points out to me the footprints of a dog that has walked that way before us, most often with some human footprints as well. It’s hard to catch scents in the snow, but sometimes grandma says that she knows from the dog prints and their location which dog in our neighborhood might have walked the path before us. Maybe it was the German shepherd that walks by every morning or maybe it was Murphy,

a large, lumbering and elderly golden retriever. Sometimes we see the footprints of the guy who lives across the street, along with the paw prints of his two huge and - I might add - rambunctious beasts.

 

Do you see where this is going? The story of footprints or dog prints in the snow or sand becomes a spiritual analogy for grandma. Her daughter Amanda once made a craft in a therapy group that included a poem about how when you look back on your life, you see two sets of footprints walking together—you and Jesus. But sometimes you see only one set of prints because it is during those difficult times that Jesus carried you. After she admired the craft, she gave it back to Amanda who said, “No, mom. It’s for you to keep. You’ll need it.” How right she was. After Amanda and my grandpa passed away from our lives, the craft became a precious memory and reminder for grandma-- and part of her testimony.

 

But, said grandma, there’s more! Every experience in her life – every grief, every sorrow, every joy, every celebration – was a place where Jesus has already walked before her. “Jesus cries with you,” grandma said, were the four most important words anyone ever wrote to her in a card. But Jesus rejoices and laughs with her too! (Personally I think He might even laughs at her singing, but she would be find with that!)

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So onward we continue making tracks this winter through the church neighborhood-- every day that time permits and the weather cooperates. Although we don't have the opportunity in the winter to interact with a lot of people, spring's a'comin'!! And mud tracks! :)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ♥ Nova

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P.S. Grandma has said that I am the last dog of her earthly lifetime. Yet when we run into a little yappy-scrappy dog or even a Chihuahua (seriously?) she said that there is a possibility she might change her mind. Sigh! In grandma’s office there are couple of rounds hanging on the wall that have paw prints of her most recent dogs. There is a space reserved below them for one more . . .

 

P.P.S. Recently we saw our friend Murphy wrapped in a lovely blanket-type coat. You know it’s cold when a golden retriever, who appears to be 80+ pounds of fur, is wearing clothes!

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P.P.P.S.  I honestly thought that the poem about one et of footprints might also mean that grandma would carry me if I got tired. I have seen humans carrying their dogs! However, I weight one half of what grandma weights, and I was told firmly, "Ain't gonna happen!"