Ivanrest Church Discipleship

"This I know, for the Bible Tells Me So": Historically, Christians have focused on six Biblical passages when it comes to homosexuality. Listen and learn as we walk through those passages and look at how affirming scholars (those who would like to see gay marriage introduced into the Church) and traditional scholars (those who maintain marriage should be between a man and a woman) interpret and apply them. Pastor Brandon has spent the last fifteen years studying this topic from a variety of angles. His goal will be to present each side of the debate as fairly as possible and then comment on the strengths and weaknesses of each. 

Resources:

Human Sexuality PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10qPJNMyZAxtskZ5_gx9BG6zfDWraiq6Y/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true

Human Sexuality Reading List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z5a3YyPhTJnqxESO9b_9lrVedhKl5EUo/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true

On December 18, 2022 Pastor Brandon interviewed Reverend Lorie Jonkman, the candidate for our Pastor of Congregational Care, listen to her answer questions about her call to the ministry and why she would love to work here at Ivanrest. 

Jenny Gruppen is a grief counselor at Faith Hospice and has been helping families walk through grief and loss for the past 20 years. She will share some insights on traditions and memorable ways to remember your loved one during the holidays. Come and listen to her share some helpful suggestions for grieving intentionally during the holidays. Jenny holds on to the truth that we have a God who is with us in our pain and sorrow (Psalm 34:18).

Handouts mentioned in the podcast:

The Griever's Holiday Bill of Rights by Bruce H. Conley: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EHXVCUUT_IzYKIU0-8PkO7uiifFDy93M/view?usp=share_link

Faith Hospice Coping with the Holidays Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nD8NH0C9hBEGOkbI0CpxeJlYWtG_Nvnp/view?usp=share_link 

Grief Counseling Support Groups:

Faith Hospice: https://faithhospicecare.org/services/bereavement/

Starlight Ministries: https://starlightmin.org/programs/grief-support-groups/

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids: https://gildasclubgr.org/find-support/grief-support/

Jenny Gruppen's Email: [email protected] 

Did you know that according to the National Institute of Mental Health 20% of American adults live with a mental illness (52.9 million adults). Did you know that younger American adults suffer from depression at a higher rate than older adults? In this weeks podcast Dr. Dane VerMerris, a Clinical Psychologist with the Hope Network, shared with us the signs and symptoms of depression, current treatment approaches, and ways that family and friends can best help. Additional resources recommended in the podcast can be found below:

Mental Health Resources:

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

Family Support Books:

Sheffield, Anne.  How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed.

Sheffield, Anne.  Depression Fallout (for spouses and family members).

Did you know the Bible has been translated fully into over 700 languages? Did you also know that the Bible has been translated, in part, into 2,846 languages in 157 different countries? However, the work to translate God's word into people's native languages is not done; there are many heart languages that are still waiting. Ann Plantinga Kapteyn serves with both SIL International and Wycliffe Bible Translators; she has served in Brazil, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, helping translate scripture into local languages. Listen and learn about Ann's work translating the Bible and how this work is vital to spreading God's Word worldwide.

For more information go to the following websites:

Wycliff Global Alliance:  https://www.wycliffe.net/resources/statistics/#:~:text=translation%20in%20progress-,Bible%20translation%20is%20currently%20happening%20in%202%2C846%20languages%20in%20157,Scripture%20in%20their%20first%20language.

Wycliff Bible Translators: https://www.wycliffe.org/

SIL: https://www.sil.org/ 

Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month? Do you know about the history the Church and specifically the CRCNA has played in the lives of Indigenous Americans? Listen to Viviana Cornejo from the CRCNA, as well as Harry Descheene and Darlene Silversmith as they share a brief history of what has happened here in America as well as their own personal stories. 

The Blanket Exercise Sign-ups (November 12, 2022)

https://my.displaychurch.events/e/k3nVkdnt/7k5637N2J9t 

The CRCNA’s Response to the Doctrine of Discovery

https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/doctrine_of_discovery.pdf

https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/synod-repudiates-doctrine-discovery

Doctrine of Discovery Documentary 

https://dofdmenno.org/resources/movie/

Native American Heritage Month Resources

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/celebrating-native-americans-today-and-everyday-resources-native-american-heritage-month 

This week we will hear from Ivanrest members about their experience participating in a listening circle. Listen about their experiences with learning the importance of listening to each other and how this can bring unity in the church.

Does unity equal uniformity? Does distinction mean difference? Listen to Pastor Brandon talk about what it means to live with Unity and Diversity within the Church Community.

Mary Westrate, Director of Discipleship, shares on the importance of living in intentional community with one another. Though it can be difficult at times, the blessing of learning to be the Body of Christ together helps us build deeper connections with each other and God. 

Dave and Joy Mueller, Kenya Hope Executive Directors,  share about the ministry work happening in Kenya.