March celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, which reminds me of when our family lived on Long Island in New York. One Sunday of our first year there, I walked out of our church building to find twenty-three bagpipe brigades warming up in our parking lot. As they were preparing for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the large number of bagpipers and drum majors reflected the significant presence of persons of Irish descent in the area. These teams would march down the main street between crowds of revelers in green.

St. Patrick’s Day also makes me think of the history of Christian missions. That’s because tradition credits Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, with evangelizing Ireland. Patrick first went to Ireland as a teenager when he was captured by marauders and taken from his home in England. As a kidnap victim, Patrick spent a few years as a slave, serving as a shepherd boy. He eventually escaped and went to the European continent before returning home. After undergoing some training, Patrick went once again to Ireland, but this time voluntarily, in order to bring the gospel. The result of his work over the next few decades left a legacy that not only shaped Irish culture, but proved pivotal to global Christianity.

Though Patrick lived one-and-a-half millennia before us, his story speaks to Christians today.

First, like Patrick, we are part of the greater mission of making Jesus known to the world in the time and place in which we live. Second, like Patrick’s unchosen time of captivity, we often do not like the circumstances we find ourselves in. We should, however, be open to how God might use those situations to prepare us for service in his kingdom. You wouldn’t expect a former slave to return to the place of his captivity, but Patrick followed the leading of God’s Spirit through a dream to go back. Third, Patrick related the gospel to where he was. Instead of getting rid of Celtic culture, Patrick helped connect it to the Triune God. The result was a robust Celtic Christian tradition that produced beautiful art, promoted community, and took on the mission of taking Christianity back to the European continent.

March 17 is the traditional date for Patrick’s death, which is why that date is named for him. So this March 17, when you wear a bit of green, remember that Patrick was a great missionary who gave his life for the mission of the gospel. May we do the same.

March 2020

March Missionby Pastor Ken

Council Meetings March 19 • April 16 • May 21 • June 18

— 2 —

Children’s Ministryby Shalom Jaconette, Children’s Ministries Director

Valentine BoxesThirty-six children between the ages of 6 and 15 live in a group home in Lansing. Our fourth and fifth graders decided to make valentines boxes for them as a Sunday school class project. Handwritten valentines, donated gifts & candy, and decorated boxes were all part of this heartfelt project. Thank you to everyone who donated items. The group home at St. Vincent was happy to receive them!

Kids Easter EventSunday, April 5 there will be a Special Easter Event for children age Preschool-5th grade. Sunday School classes will be in Fellowship Hall from 10:10-11:00 AM there will be an Easter movie, plastic egg decorating, Easter and Palm Sunday snacks and crafts.

VBS June 15-18

9:00 AM-Noon

PINEWOOD DERBYWednesdayApril 22 at 6:30 PM in the Gym

Save the Dates

— 3 —

Gathering of the Soon-to-be-Graduatesby Brendan J. StevensDirector of Youth & Family Ministries

In just a few months, our current 12th graders will be walking across the stage, receiving their diplomas and officially closing their high school careers.

Before that chapter closes, we have made an annual tradition of gathering our seniors together for discussion, reflection and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. That practice will continue this year.

I’ll be hosting a luncheon for our upcoming graduates once a month in March, April, and May. These gatherings are designed to give students the chance to have open and honest discussions about the challenges of finishing their high school race well and pursuing their faith as they step out on their own.

The dates are set for March 22, April 19, and May 17. Each meeting will consist of lunch and guided

SundayMarch

1Photo Scavenger Hunt5:00-7:30 PMFREE event! MS & HS students invited to a special evening with Ignite. Friends welcome.

SundayMarch8, 15,

22 & 29

Ignite Sunday NightMarch is “Real Talk” month.We will continue to meet from 5:00 to 7:30 PM but split into separate MS & HS discussions.

Wed. March 11, 18 & 25

Youth Bible StudyFor students grade 6 to 12. Using “The Pilgrim’s Progress” to take a deeper look at the gospel story.

Sunday March

22

Graduating Senior Luncheon12:30 - 2:00 PMUPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES are invited to a special lunch and discussion. We’ll talk about finishing high school well and how to launch into the next phase.

SaturdayMarch

28

Escape RoomTime TBD – Cost: $10/personTest your puzzle skills at one of our local escape rooms. Group will be capped at 9 people. Pay to reserve your spot!

Our first Winter Retreat to Grace Adventures was a resounding success. We had 14 students at their Winter Blast, enjoying the many activities, moving worship and challenging messages. It will be exciting to see how our experience at Grace Adventures launches into the next season of youth ministry at River Terrace.

There were a variety of activities available to our group throughout the weekend, including a Broomball Tournament, 9-Square-In-The-Air, Laser Tag, Battleball Tournament, rock climbing wall, and more!

Circle East, the worship band for the weekend, was a big hit with our students. They led us in familiar favorites and introduced us to some new songs, too.

Winter Retreat Was A Blast!

discussion. We are asking that students RSVP the Friday before the meeting so that we can accurately plan for the meal.

Seniors, make plans to join us for this special time!

— 4 —

RT University: Bob DeVinneyJoin us in the Gym on Monday, March 2 at Noon to hear from Bob DeVinney and his experiences in World War II. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and fought at The Battle of the Bulge. Sign up in the office.

Men’s Monthly BreakfastMen meet in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, March 17 from 8:00-9:00 AM for great food and insightful conversation with brothers in Christ. Please RSVP to Pastor Ken (ken@riverterrace.org).

Lectio Divina Sundays in the Quad from 10:10-11:00 AMled by Paula Triezenberg, RTC MemberYou are invited to gather and practice Lectio Divina (divine reading) and Visio Divina (imaginative prayer), silence, and prayers together during the church school hour. All adults are welcome to attend some or all of the meetings.

Adult Small Group LeaderIn her new role as point person for adult small groups, Lynette Pemble will be contacting someone in current groups to find out things like who is currently in the group, if there’s room for more participants, where and how often your group meets, what your meetings look like, etc. This will help her know how best to serve the groups, help others find one, and assess the need for new groups. If you have a question about any of this, feel free to contact Lynette Pemble at michaelpemble@sbcglobal.net.

Wednesday Morning Pastor’s Study10:00-11:00 AM in the QuadEnjoy fellowship, study, and conversation as we continue our study on Colossians - Spiritual Fulness in Christ.

Community Night Adult ClassWednesdays from 6:30-7:45 PM in the Quadled by Pastor KenThe Community Night Adult Discipleship Class will complement Sunday mornings by looking at “The World of the New Testament,” drawing from video teachings by N. T. Wright and Michael Bird.

Sunday Adult Forum Sunday Mornings, 10:10-11:00 AM in the Gym

Join us in the Gym for a series that takes you into the world and life of New Testament Christians. “A Week in the Life” will explore the background of first century society.

March 1: A Week in the Life of … Roman Cities March 8: A Week in the Life of … Ephesus (with John Kaufmann and Pastor Ken) March 15: A Week in the Life of … a Greco-Roman Woman March 22: A Week in the Life of … a New Testament Slave (with John Kaufmann) March 29: A Week in the Life of … a Centurion

DONATION REPORTFebruary 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,451February 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,311February 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,105Pathway of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,437Lansing Christian School Annual Fund $ 2,017Nigeria Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,647

Over/(Under) YTD: ($13,218)

Community Assistance Program - Canned meats (chicken, roast beef, corned beef, tuna, salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines). Cans with pull tabs are good.Giving Box Donations - Trash bags (lawn and kitchen size), laundry soap (liquid and powder), and fabric softener.

March Giving Opportunities

— 5 —

RTC Online DirectoryWe are excited that our new church management software, Servant Keeper, provides the possibility for an online church directory.

If you haven’t already provided a photo, you can upload one. You will be able to edit your address, phone numbers, birthdates, etc. so those will always be up-to-date. Also available will be the possibility to view your giving record and print statements.

Go online to https://servantkeeper.com/member-portal/riverterrace to reach the Member Portal where you will need to enter your primary family email address. This address needs to be used for all members of your family who wish to access the directory. Click on “Forgot your password?” to get a link mailed to your email address to set a password for your account. If the email you used is not the one we have listed as your primary family email address, you can either try another email address, or contact the church office so we can change it to the one you would prefer. This password will access only your family’s information.

Click on “View River Terrace Church’s Directory” to see an online picture directory. You will be able to see family photos, in color, of those who have provided them. To access the directory, you will need the password that will be emailed to you. If you have any problems or concerns, please call the church office.

Young Adults VolleyballJoin us for a friendly game of volleyball on Saturday, March 7 from 4:00-5:30 PM. Complimentary CHILDCARE is available, please RSVP to Ginny (ginny@riverterrace.org) by March 5. Come meet other young adults from River Terrace Church. Friends are welcome!

FYI: RTCHave a question about anything River Terrace Church? Stop in to the Meeting Room the first Sunday of every month immediately after either the 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM service.

There will be a pastor and a member of our staff/council to answer it for you. We look forward to meeting you.

Looking Ahead — Holy Week

Palm Sunday: April 5 at 9:00 and 11:15 AMAt both services, we will celebrate Palm Sunday with children waving palm fronds, emulating those who waved palms and laid their clothes on the ground to honor the King riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.

Maundy Thursday: April 9, at 7:00 PMWe will partake of the Last Supper in our service. The Sanctuary will be open at 6:30 PM for those who wish to quietly meditate and pray.

Easter Sunday: April 12 at 9:00 and 11:15 AM Marvel in Christ’s resurrection at our Easter Services. Both services will be a joyous testament to the power of our God. Pastor Brent will preach a message about Christ’s resurrection.

— 6 —

Council Nominationsby Melissa Keeley, Deacon

Council is requesting your help in providing nominations for the offices of Elder and Deacon. Each year, Council asks the congregation to prayerfully consider who may be well suited to serve in one of these offices and can use their gifts to provide thoughtful, Christ-centered leadership for the Church. Elders and deacons should exhibit spiritual maturity, and be committed to the Lord as well as to the ministry of River Terrace Church.

Please make your recommendations for these important offices by completing a nomination form available in the church office and placing it in the box marked “Nominations,” or by emailing Melissa Keeley at melissa.telltalephoto@gmail.com no later than March 1. All recommendations will receive thoughtful and prayerful consideration. From your nominations Council will put forth a slate of two men and two women for each office. At the May 17 Congregational meeting RTC members will vote for two Elders and two Deacons from the slate.

Please also keep the Council and the nominating committee in your prayers as we go through this process. Thank you for your help.

Winter Fun Day was held Sunday, February 23 and featured a potluck, chili competition, kids crafts, a snowball toss and a cakewalk. Thank you to those that competed in the Chili Compe-tition or donated a cake for the Cake Walk!

Over 50 items were donated for the Cakewalk, with people of all ages joining in on the fun.

Fresh Fruit Collection for Homeless Angels:

Sunday, March 8

Friends & Flicks: Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. This month’s movie is “9 to 5” (Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda)

Breaking Bread: Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 PM at Grand Traverse Pie Co. (corner of Grand River and Hagadorn). Women of all ages are welcome.

Winter FunDay

— 7 —

There were eight tasty entries in the chili compe-tition this year. Congratulations to the winners:

1st place - Mike Pemble2nd place - Rachel Banasik and Jack Bieber

3rd place - Jayme Geers

The snowball toss was played by all ages.

Chili contest winners Jayme Geers, Mike Pemble, Jack Bieber and Rachel Banasik.

COMPETITION

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make this such a fun event, it could not happen without your help!

Kids enjoyed coloring a snowman for the color-ing contest.

Sunday, March 1: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM“Reasons to Love God: God Puts His Heart in Our Hands”

based on Hosea 1 by Pastor Brent WassinkSpecial Offering: Anthony & Sara Sytsma/World Renew

Sunday, March 8: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM“Reasons to Love God: God Works to Win Us” based on Hosea 2 by Pastor Brent Wassink

Special Offering: Campus EdgeCelebration of the Lord’s Supper

Sunday, March 15: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM“Reasons to Love God: God Restores the Relationship”

based on Hosea 3 by Pastor Ken BieberSpecial Offering: Dynamic Youth

Sunday, March 22: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM“Reasons to Love God: God Has A Dream for Us” based on Hosea 6:1-10 by Pastor Brent Wassink

Special Offering: Adam Umbarger/IVCF

Sunday, March 29: Services at 9:00 and 11:15 AM“Reasons to Love God: God Gives Reality Checks” based on Hosea 7:3-16 by Pastor Brent Wassink

Special Offering: Youth Scholarship

GrowLOVING

THE TRUTH

ConnectLOVING EACH

OTHER

WorshipLOVING

GOD

ServeLOVING

THE WORLD