Search Results
142 items found for ""
- Punishment or Paradise
Punishment or Paradise August 25, 2024 Punishment or Paradise Sermon Series: It Had To Be Said Download PDF Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Main Idea Because Jesus Endured the Punishment of the Crucifixion We Can Have the Paradise of Heaven Outline 1. When confronted with Christ we can either judge him or judge ourselves. 2. When presented with Christ we can either reject him or accept him. Pre-Questions Discussion Questions Contrasting Reactions: What do you think caused the two criminals to respond so differently to Jesus? How do their responses reflect common reactions people have towards Jesus today? Acknowledging Guilt: The second criminal recognizes his guilt and Jesus' innocence. How important is it to acknowledge our own faults in our relationship with God? How does this recognition impact our understanding of grace? Jesus' Response: Jesus promises the repentant criminal, "Today you will be with me in paradise." What does this statement reveal about Jesus' character and His kingdom? How does this promise provide hope for us? Personal Reflection: Have you ever experienced a moment of realizing your need for Jesus' mercy, similar to the second criminal? How did that experience change your relationship with God?
- Derek Dean
Derek Middle School Coordinator Derek Dean Derek has been attending Peace since 2021 and joined the staff in June 2024. Originally from Wisconsin, he grew up in California from age 6 to 29. Derek and his wife, Julie, have been together since high school and married for 10 years. They have three children: Ellie, Riley, and Carson. The family loves being active, playing sports, and camping. Since moving to Michigan, Derek has taken up hunting, fishing, and foraging for morels. His favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:2: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Contact the Family Ministry Admin
- Clare Schellenberg
Clare Communications Administrative Assistant Clare Schellenberg Clare has been attending Peace since early 2023 and joined the staff in August 2023. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and bike riding. With a background in ballet, Clare loves being creative through dance and also enjoys drawing and sewing in her free time. Her favorite Bible verses are Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 12:9. Contact the Communications Admin
- Ashley Zimmerman
Ashley Connections Coordinator Ashley Zimmerman Ashley has been attending Peace Church for three years and joined the staff in August 2024. Originally from Byron Center, MI, she has been married to her husband Scott since April 2021. Ashley spent several years as a missionary kid in Uganda, Africa, from 2011 to 2018. She and Scott live in Byron Center. In her free time, Ashley enjoys doing puzzles, spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and doing anything with her husband, whether it's hiking or just lounging on the couch. Her favorite Bible passage is Romans 5:1-11. Contact the Connections Department
- Pray With Us | Peace Church
Pray With Us John 17:11-12 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Mark & Heather Overbeek InterAct Ministries The Overbeeks minister in Kodiak, Alaska with InterAct Ministries. Mark pastors a local church and Heather leads women’s Bible study events. Their family also puts on youth Bible camps and outreach events. People who are dealing with cancer Rick Koning, please continue to pray for strength for the journey ahead. Betty Noffke Betty Oosterhouse Ron Smith, pray that the infusion he had on Monday helps him. Tarah Sproul Chuck Worst passed away on Monday Night. Please pray for the children and their spouses as they deal with loss, sorrow, and joy all mixed in together. Chuck Aubil is in ICU and asking the church family to pray that the doctors would get the correct diagnosis for the infection. He would prefer no visitors at this time. Long-term care Lee Pipe New Births Church family, we want to be aware of your new additions. We would love it if you could let us know when your family has expanded. Thank you! Physical needs Courtney Christians is having hip replacement on Tuesday, February 11th. Pray for the doctors as they preform the surgery, over her body as she recovers and for her husband, Tate and her mom as they care for her in recovery. Please be in prayer for Cherie Westbrook as a mass was found in her throat. Pray for a diagnosis on what the mass is and please pray for her body to recover from the infection that is keeping the doctors from being able to do surgery. Pray over her care, provision, and answers during this difficult time. Steve Cowgill was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer this week. Please pray for him, his wife Alece, and their family as they make decisions and navigate this diagnosis. Joyce DeVries, Judy Truer's sister, for wisdom for the doctors and comfort and peace for the family. Ernie and Dalene DeGroote ask for prayer for their nephew, Derek, who is at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Jim and Mandy Bowerman- Noelle (2.5 years old) has been dealing with a Movement Disorder since she was 8 months old. Dan and Diane Cnossen's grandson, Jeremiah, is still in Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Pauline Hair- My friend's daughter Michelle had surgery on January 29th for kidney stones. Update for Michelle's kidney stone surgery- she was very thankful for prayers. The surgery went well. Please continue to pray for her recovery. Tony Pavlik is dealing with two embolisms in his lung. Please pray that the doctors will be able to dissolve these quickly. Bre Dykema was in an accident this last week. Please pray for continued healing. Please pray for the marriages in the TK school district struggling to stay together; pray for healing. In Assisted Living Mary Bybee, The Village of Heather Hills in Grand Rapids. Harvey Donker, Moore's Adult Foster Care in Charlotte. Pat and Tom VanTol, Legacies Assisted Living Center in Caledonia. Missions Spotlight Ask For Prayer Go Meal Ministry Go Mission Partners Go
- Bold and Brave
bd0ef2d2-7cbd-4ecc-82eb-9292f967afed Bold and Brave Upcoming Events Join us for Bold Boys and Brave Girls every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM from October to March. Bold Boys Ministry: Bold Boys is a mid-week program for boys in 1st through 5th grade. We meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM throughout the school year. The program includes sports, woodworking, projects, and Bible lessons. Boys start with big group worship, followed by a Bible lesson, projects or games, and small group discussion with a snack. Brave Girls Ministry: Brave Girls is a high-energy ministry for girls in 1st through 5th grade. Meeting every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, the program includes Bible stories, Scripture memory, games, and crafts. Girls start with big group worship, followed by a Bible lesson, crafts or games, and small group discussion with a snack. What to Expect: Check-in starts at 6:15 PM. 4th-5th Grade Bold Boys & Brave Girls: The Venue Pick-up will be as close to 8 PM as possible. Brave Girls Go Bold Boys Go Peace Kids Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Lindsey Kerstetter 4th & 5th Grade Coordinator Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Lindsey Kerstetter 4th & 5th Grade Coordinator Interested in Serving? Go Contact Kid's Ministry Admin Go Learn More Lindsey Kerstetter 4th & 5th Grade Coordinator Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go
- VBS | Peace Church
Never Alone Marriage Conference Vacation Bible School at Peace Church June 23-27 | 6-8 PM Register Now Volunteer Christmas Eve Times In a world full of noise and competing messages, kids need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. VBS: Magnified! is the perfect opportunity for K–5th graders to dive into God’s Word, explore the wonder of His creation, and proclaim His greatness. During this action-packed week, kids will discover: God made them and loves them. God forgives them and keeps His promises. We were created to magnify and praise God! This isn’t just for Peace Church families—it’s for your friends, your neighbors, and anyone who needs to hear the good news. Don’t miss this chance to give kids a firm foundation in truth and the hope that only Jesus brings. Advent Sermon Series Watch Sermon Series Go Tell It On The Mountain Christmas isn’t just about exchanging gifts—it’s the ultimate Good News that needs to be shared. This December, we’ll explore how the birth of Jesus sparked a reaction across generations and social divides. From his closest relatives to his fiercest enemies, we’ll see how each response to the Savior’s arrival inspires us to carry this incredible news into the world. Join us as we hear, celebrate, and boldly share the Good News: Jesus Christ is born! Watch the Advent Sermon Series Frequently Asked Questions What we do Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share. Breakout Speakers Josh Hoekstra I Didn't Know I Needed Relationship Goals Cory Nederveld I Didn't Know I Needed to Repent for that Connor Maki I Didn't Know I Needed a Budget Pastor Bob and Joette Hudberg Parenting Adult Children Pastor Mitchell & Elizabeth Leach SEXccessful Marriage Pastor Jon & Stephanie Delger Parenting Young Children Pastor Aaron and Jessica Lewis Communication and Conflict Frequently Asked Questions What is the theme of VBS? Our theme this year is "Magnified!" During the week we will encourage kids to look closely at the details of God’s amazing world and magnify, or proclaim, the greatness of God. God made us, cares about us, loves us, forgives us, and is faithful to keep all His promises to us. We can praise God together! We were made to magnify God! How do I register? You can register for VBS here . What is the VBS schedule? VBS will take place on Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27 from 6-8 PM each night. Each night, we will have Large Group time where we will worship and have skits, followed by crafts, Bible study, and games! Is there a cost? No, VBS is free! Who can I contact for more information? Contact Paula Averill for more information. Can I attend this if I do not attend Peace Church? Yes, everyone is welcome to register for VBS! Will meals be provided? No, meals will not be provided. Vision To see the Gospel embraced and passed on for generations of Kingdom impact. Mission At Peace Church, we are Gospel-Centered, Family-Focused, and Kingdom-Minded. Sponsors Sponsors 2024 Conference Messages
- Community Groups
0d292ae7-8ca9-4e17-826b-372855b0928b Community Groups Upcoming Events At Peace Church, as we continue to grow bigger, Community Groups are how we stay connected and build meaningful relationships. In these smaller, welcoming gatherings, you’ll find a place where you can be known and cared for—whether you’re new to faith or have been following Christ for years. Community Groups are designed to help you grow both in community and in your walk with God. Each group looks a little different—some dive deep into Bible studies, while others focus on prayer, service, or sharing life together. No matter the format, every group emphasizes building relationships and supporting one another through the highs and lows of life. Community groups meet weekly or bi-weekly and are where discipleship truly happens. You don’t need to have all the answers or be a seasoned Christian—everyone is welcome. It’s a great way to get connected, grow spiritually, and experience genuine care and community. We invite you to join a group and discover the connection, care, and spiritual growth we all need. Join A Community Group 55+ Go Men Go Women Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Mitchell Leach Community Pastor Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Mitchell Leach Community Pastor Interested in Serving? Go Contact the Community Pastor Go Learn More Mitchell Leach Community Pastor Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go
- The Lie of Love is Love
The Lie of Love is Love September 22, 2024 The Lie of Love is Love Sermon Series: Calling Out Cultural Lies Download PDF 1 JOHN 4:7-12 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. Main Idea God is love - and we know this because of Jesus Christ. Outline 1. Known in our spirit (vv 7-8) 2. Shown in our Savior (vv 9-10) 3. Completed in our connections (vv 11-12) Pre-Questions How does the statement “Love is love” reflect contemporary culture’s view of love? What are the potential dangers of reducing love to a mere emotion or preference, as the phrase might suggest? Discussion Questions How does the biblical definition of love differ from this cultural perspective? Refer to passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and John 15:13. How do love and truth coexist in the Bible? Why is it essential that they are not separated? How does the Bible call us to love others in a way that includes accountability and correction (see passages like Matthew 18:15-17)? Why might some people view accountability as unloving, and how can we gently correct this misconception within our communities? How can we lovingly engage with those who hold to the “love is love” ideology while staying faithful to biblical truth? How can the church and its members model a love rooted in truth and accountability rather than mere affirmation?
- Hell, the Occult, & the Demonic
Hell, the Occult, & the Demonic April 28, 2024 Hell, the Occult, & the Demonic Sermon Series: The Church Never Preaches On... Download PDF Matthew 25:41-46 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Main Idea Hell is the ultimate horror, reminding us that our actions really do matter. Outline 1. ...because the judge is Jesus Christ. (v41-45) 2. ...because the punishment is eternal. (v46) Pre-Questions 1. What's a way that the world talks about Hell, that isn't true? 2. The topic of Hell can be uncomfortable. Why do you think that is? Discussion Questions 1. How does Matthew 10:28–33 help our perspective? 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. 2. Read Revelation 20:10. Even though the image of the lake of fire is most likely imagery, what does this tell us about Hell? 3. Can you be a Christian and deny the existence of Hell? Why not? 4. How does God's act of pouring out his wrath - on sin and sinners - point us to the Gospel? How does this direct us to worship?
- Counseling Resources | Peace Church
Counseling Resources We’ve got an incredible staff team that works hard, has a lot of fun, loves the Lord, and loves the Word. If that sounds like a mission and a community you want to be part of, check out the job opportunities below. Peace Church is a Gospel-Centered, Family-Focused church on a mission to make disciples of Jesus. What We Believe Go Leadership & Staff Go History of Peace Church Go Peace Church is a Gospel Centered, Family Focused church on a mission to make disciples of Jesus. We have an incredible staff team that works hard, has a lot of fun, loves the Lord, and loves the Word. If that sounds like a mission and a community you want to be part of, check out the job opportunities below. Christina Schug LMSW, PMH-C Schug Counseling Services Phone (269) 716-1705 Phone 121 S Main St, Wayland, MI 49348, USA Phone Visit Website Freedom in Faith Freedom in Faith Phone (616) 329-5485 Phone Phone Visit Website Steve Bristol MDIV, LMSW, CAADC Alliance Counseling Phone (616) 222-0631 ext 740 Phone Phone Steven@alliancecounselinggroup.com Visit Website Jim Brazel MA, LLMFT West Michigan Wellness Center Phone (616) 210-3214 Phone 129 100th St SE, Byron Center, MI 49315, USA Phone jim@westmichiganwellnessgroup.com Visit Website Sherilyn Schaeffer MA, LPC The Journey Christian Counseling Phone (206) 705-3032 Phone 546 76th Street Southwest, Byron Center, MI 49315, USA Phone Visit Website Deb Crater MA, LPC, EMDR Clinician Centennial Park Phone (616) 949-9550 Phone 2828 Kraft Ave SE #186, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA Phone Visit Website Biblical Counseling Center Biblical Counseling Center Phone (616) 457-0050 Phone 515 Baldwin Street, Jenison, MI 49428, USA Phone 515baldwin@gmail.com Visit Website Whitney Scholten MA, LLC Winning At Home Phone (616) 772-1733 Phone 300 South State Street suite 13, Zeeland, MI 49464, USA Phone Visit Website Bridget Nash MA, LPC Open Chair Counseling Phone (616) 676-7081 Phone 9361 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, MI, USA Phone Bridget@openchaircounseling.com Visit Website Adam Nash MA, LPC Open Chair Counseling Phone (616) 676-7081 Phone 9361 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, MI, USA Phone Adam@openchaircounseling.com Visit Website What We Believe Go Go Staff & Leadership Go Our History About
- Christians Shouldn't Speak Into Politics
Christians Shouldn't Speak Into Politics October 6, 2024 Christians Shouldn't Speak Into Politics Sermon Series: Calling Out Cultural Lies Download PDF Jeremiah 29:1-9 These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord. Main Idea Be in the world but not of the world Outline Pre-Questions Before hearing this sermon, what were your thoughts about Christian influence in politics? What challenged you from this sermon? Discussion Questions What does it look like to "seek the welfare of the city?" What does it look like to do it as a Community Group? How can we love people who vote differently than us? Read Romans 13:1-7. How should we be subject (or submissive) to the government? What does it mean? Is there a line where Christians shouldn't submit? Politics can often be divisive, even among Christians. How can we navigate disagreements on political issues while maintaining unity in Christ? Read Matthew 5:9. How can we live out Jesus’ call to be peacemakers in politically charged environments? Reflect on Philippians 3:20, where Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. How does this shape the way we engage in earthly political matters?