Resurrection Life Church | 1 OUR CHURCH

ABOUT US When talking about what we believe, you’ll often hear us say “Real God, Real People.” But, what’s that all about?

We believe in a very real God, real in the sense that He wants to be involved in our everyday life. In fact, He wants to be more than involved, He wants to be the center around which our lives revolve so that He can lead us into the purpose-filled lives that He created us to live. As a church family, we think it’s essential to be real in the way that we relate to each other. If we wear a mask, we can never form authentic relationships with people. Masks can’t relate.

OUR VISION 1. To preach the Word without compromise in love and humility and to prepare God’s people for the work that He created them to do.

2. To worship God in spirit and in truth, not as learned through tradition but as taught through the Word of God.

3. To minister to the children and youth whom God has placed in our trust.

4. To reach the nations of the world through missions.

5. To see people changed as we align our lives to the Word of God and engage in authentic, transformational relationships in the context of small groups.

NEWSLETTER It feels good to be in the know! Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll make sure all the good stuff ends up in your inbox. Don’t worry, we will never send you an email you don’t want or share your information with anyone outside of our church office team. In other words, your email is safe with us. To sign up for our weekly newsletter, go to rockfordres.org/subscribe.

1 | | Summer Summer Guide Guide 2019 2019 THE PASTOR

The guy you see on the stage after worship is Pastor Doug. So, who is this guy and why is he so crazy and exuberant? GREAT QUESTION!

The son of a Christian Reformed pastor, Doug grew up the oldest of 8 children with God-fearing parents who instilled in him a deep knowledge of the scriptures and a love for Christ. After some wild teen years filled with sports, motorcycles, and hitchhiking across the country, he came to terms with the direction of his life and fully committed his life to Christ. He became very involved in starting and leading a large local youth ministry. During this time, Doug’s father left the CRC and started Maranatha ministries in Grandville Michigan. Doug became the worship leader for that church, and it is here that he started to build and develop his Bible teaching skills in life groups and in their services. He then attended Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas.

At Christ for the Nations, he met Barb, who was the Assistant Dean of Women. He and Barb were married in 1976 and went on to have 5 children. In 1997, the whole family’s world was rocked with a fatal car accident which took the lives of both Barb and their youngest daughter, Joanna (as well as the family dog). Through this tragedy, God has used Doug to be an instrument of grace and a pillar of faith to those who have witnessed his response through this difficult time.

Doug continued to be steadfast in his faith, while wrestling with the changes in his life. Navigating this new adventure with God’s guidance, it led him to meet Caryn at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville. There are some quite hilarious stories about their courtship, but suffice it to say that he ultimately won the heart of Caryn. He and Caryn were married in 2000. God has blessed the two of them with a miracle son, Carter, who was born in 2008.

So where does all Doug’s excitement and passion come from? He would tell you it is his response to God’s amazing grace working in his life. Doug explains it this way: “He took me when I was worthless, just the way I was, and saved me. Then He transformed me and called me to the ministry of blessing others and teaching people how to walk in His grace. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a person find the true purpose and destiny that God has for them and begin to walk in it.” It is the hope and prayer of Doug and Caryn that you will see and feel God’s Grace working in our Christian community and that you too will see and find all God has for you.

Resurrection Life Church | 2 NEXTGEN

NextGen Ministries is the umbrella under which each other, their leader, and God in meaningful all ministries from birth through young adults ways. We begin small groups in preschool and are synchronized so that each is complimenting continue them until they graduate. the other and building with the end in mind. Our goal is to see the family unit partnering with the We have a team of people working with kids church to have a greater impact. in every phase that recognize distinctive opportunities and help to leverage them to Each time we see your child, we want them to influence their future. We see this partnership experience the love of God. We’ve found that with the church and family as a major component the small group model helps kids connect with in developing kids’ relationships with God.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ROCKFORDRES.ORG/CHILDREN

The primary strategy of 6 weeks to 1st grade is group interaction as well as a chance to give to EMBRACE their physical needs; this will give through offerings. We then provide you with them a first impression of a heavenly Father. resources to continue to build upon what was The strategy for the group of kids from 2nd - 5th taught through a “parent cue” when teachable grade is to ENGAGE their interest; it provokes moments arise at home. knowing God personally. These kids are primarily motivated by fun! We take both of these into We look forward to partnering with you in your account when working on our weekly lessons. child’s learning process. We are continually adding ways to do this. Please check out our Every week in Children’s Ministry, kids website, the counter at check-in, and like us on will experience engaging dramas, media, facebook to make sure you have all the latest worship, and different forms of intentional information on what is happening.

3 | Summer Guide 2019 IGNITE

ROCKFORDRES.ORG/IGNITE

We want to inspire and equip Jr. and Sr. High students to develop a faith of their own. We help them pursue authentic faith and discover a personal mission that will take them into adulthood.

SUNDAY — Jr. High WEDNESDAY NIGHTS — Jr. and Sr. High (6th - 8th grades) (6th - 12th grades) Jr. High meets in Room 10 Service time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm for a time of worship and a Format of the night: relevant message during every Jr. High small groups, 6:30 - 7 pm service — 9 am, 10:30 am, Service (combined), 7 - 8 pm 12 noon. We look forward to Sr. High small groups, 8 - 8:30 pm seeing you there! Students engage in a high-energy service full of relevant and SUNDAY — Sr. High applicable content from the Word. We strive to mobilize our (9th - 12th grades) youth by providing opportunities to serve inside and outside Sr. High meets in The Lounge the church. during all three morning services — 9 am, 10:30 am, and 12 noon.

ELEVATE YOUNG ADULTS ROCKFORDRES.ORG/ELEVATE

We are excited about our young adult We’ll gather each week to enjoy coffee and ministry, Elevate, for ages 18 - 25. This snacks, while engaging in discussion together. ministry focuses on bringing young adults closer to God with worship and the Word in an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and has a chance to connect.

Resurrection Life Church | 4 FX

ROCKFORDRES.ORG/FX

The Family Experience (FX) is designed to This season’s FX will take place on May 4. create an environment where the whole family Doors open at 4:30 pm and the show starts at can learn and laugh with one another. 5:30 pm. FX is open to the public and anyone can show up. FX uses relevant skits, media, praise and worship to present God’s truths and character Be sure to bring friends and family to this fun to kids. event. We will feature free food, and lots of fun activities between 4:30 - 5:30, leading up to the show.

5 | Summer Guide 2019 LIFE GROUPS ROCKFORDRES.ORG/LIFEGROUPS

Let’s face it, we weren’t designed to go will be a great way to do life together in the through life alone. The relationships we community at Rockford Res. have with others can transform our lives. Life Groups are a great way to make a large Study based groups will center around specific church feel small and by using our expanded areas of interest from topical studies to life group model, we hope to encourage more discipleship programs. Study groups are a great of our church family to attend by offering way to take your next steps in your walk with groups that include a wider variety of interests. Jesus as you learn and delve into God’s Word Remember, we have activity-based groups, in a small group format. study-based groups and as always, sermon- As usual, sermon groups will be discussing based groups available. Pastor Doug’s latest sermon. These discussions Activity based groups will connect people with not only help you better understand the others who share similar interests, from fishing message and God’s word, they also instill a to hiking to book clubs and more. These groups deep connection and lifelong friendships.

Resurrection Life Church | 6 REAL WOMEN

ROCKFORDRES.ORG/REALWOMEN

NEW STUDIES BEGIN THIS FALL No two women are exactly alike, but there are Every year, Real Women have at least 3 sessions some things about us that just seems to be true of of studies for you to take part in - starting in the all of us. We love deeply. We hold things together. Fall, Winter, and Spring. There are book-based We give advice. We nurture. We never give up. studies that help you grow and dig deeper in We need each other — but most importantly WE your knowledge of the Bible and faith in God. NEED JESUS! There is a group called Real Moms who chose Rockford Res Women Ministry WELCOMES you studies that focus on issues and items that with open arms to COME, just as you are! No are especially important when you are raising matter your age, background or life stage, our children according to God’s plan. Typically, heart is to encourage and equip you in your each study meets once per week, and there are personal walk with the Lord by walking with options for Tuesday mornings and evenings, you in both life and faith. We accomplish this as well as Thursday mornings. Childcare is through Women’s Gatherings, weekly Bible provided at no cost for children from 6 weeks studies, smaller intimate Connect Circles, and to 10 years of age. Please consider joining us in individual mentoring. one of our upcoming sessions! Our goal is to see the Word and message of Jesus transform hearts, homes, and lives in Find out more and register every place He calls us to - whether near or far. for events and studies at We warmly welcome you to join us in this and rockfordres.org/realwomen. look forward to meeting you.

Charlene A. Martin Women’s Pastor

7 | Summer Guide 2019 REAL MEN

ROCKFORDRES.ORG/REALMEN

NEW STUDIES BEGIN THIS FALL

Each year, Real Men host 3 session of studies, There is a lot of confusion about what it means to in the Fall, Winter and Spring. There are be a man. The culture we live in can be confusing options for Monday evenings and Thursday and misleading when it comes to defining what mornings, including book-based studies, that means. Instead of looking to the world studies for outdoorsmen, and those that focus around us, let’s look to the benchmark, the perfect on the role of Godly men in today’s society. example, the God man — Jesus Christ! Please consider joining us for one of our Real Men is a place where men from all walks studies. of life can meet other men who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus and be the man that He created us to be. All men struggle with Learn more at something. Real Men is a place where we can rockfordres.org/realmen support one another through life’s challenges. Connecting with other men leads to life changing relationships with one another and the Father; as we walk side-by-side into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ! Come join us as we search for and discover what it means to be the men that God created us to be!

You are invited! Take the next step and join us. There is a perfect spot waiting for you! I’m so excited to meet you!

Mitch Taylor Men’s Pastor

Resurrection Life Church | 8 50 PLUS ROCKFORDRES.ORG/50PLUS

50 Plus is a ministry at Rockford Res for couples Already this year, we have enjoyed a delicious and singles ages 50 and over, to share the Valentine’s Day brunch, a fun game day, an moments in life that we want to remember, emotionally packed night of prayer for National and to create new memories with friends. We Day of Prayer, weekly Bible studies, and a are an active group in the church community: fun summer picnic. Visit our website for more volunteering and serving in many roles at information about upcoming events. Anyone is church and staying active together in the Word welcome to attend. We promise we won’t check through a Bible study each week. your driver’s license to prove your age!

RES RIDERS ROCKFORDRES.ORG/RESRIDERS

Were you born to be wild? SUMMER SCHEDULE: If so, adorn yourself in leather, lace up your May 11 AM Ride boots, strap down your helmet, get on your bad May 19 Sunday Ride motor scooter and ride with us. June 8 AM Ride June 16 Sunday Ride Res Life Riders is a group who rallies around the love of God, God’s people, and motorcycles. If July 13 AM Ride you live to ride, we encourage you to check us July 21 Sunday Ride out. We enjoy a number of rides throughout the Aug 10 AM Ride season, and stay connected with various events Aug 16-18 Iron to Irons throughout the year. Sep 14 AM Ride Sep 22 Sunday Ride Oct 12 Color Tour FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Saturday rides meet at 9:30 am; leaves at 10 am

President: Randy Heyboer – 989-248-3373 Sunday rides will be after the last service. Vice President: Tom Mullins – 616-560-6176 (approximately 1:30 pm)

All rides will leave from Rockford Res unless other arrangements are made.

9 | Summer Guide 2019 STUDENT BAPTISM ROCKFORDRES.ORG/BAPTISM

We believe that baptism is an important step We are currently baptizing on every Sunday at of obedience for children who have accepted the end of each service. This is available to all Christ as their personal Savior. When your who have accepted Jesus as their Savior - ages child is ready to be baptized, please have your 2nd grade to adult. You can register ahead of student fill out the pdf form that you will find time at rockfordres.org/getbaptized, or decide at rockfordres.org/ignite in preparation for the on Sunday morning and get baptized then. We baptism service. If you’re unable to print it, you have clothes and towels for you to use. We are can pick one up at church on Sunday. excited about what God is doing.

AWANA CHILD DEDICATION ROCKFORDRES.ORG/AWANA ROCKFORDRES.ORG/CHILDDEDICATION

Our Awana Clubs take place on It is our hope that we can partner with Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 pm, you from the very beginning of your child’s and are for 3 year olds through 5th grade spiritual journey to make a powerful impact kids. These clubs meet regularly from on your children’s lives. No one has more September through April. influence on your child than you, and combined with the church, we can make an eternal impact.

Resurrection Life Church | 10 BAPTISM ROCKFORDRES.ORG/BAPTISM SHUT THE DOOR ON YOUR PAST.

Being baptized is one of the most empowering in their walk with God. experiences that any Christian can take part in. Christ was baptized in water and in the Holy As God continues to move in our services, we Spirit at the outset of his public ministry. As want to move with Him. So we will have one you follow His command to be baptized, we tank set up in the Auditorium as we offer the believe God will enable you to shut the door opportunity to be baptized at some time during on your past and begin to serve Him in each service for the next period of time. This a powerful new way. opportunity is for 2nd grade through adults. We will also include a time of prayer for the infilling It has been amazing to see God move in our of the Holy Spirit. services the last few months as men, women, youth and children came forward and declared For more information on baptism and why it’s publicly, through water baptism, their decision important in the life of the believer, please to follow Jesus. The impact this has on each visit rockfordres.org/baptism. If you would like individual life is powerful – and we don’t want to see stories of lives changed, please visit to leave anyone out who is ready for this step rockfordres.org/stories.

11 | Summer Guide 2019 YOUR NEXT STEP is designed for those who are starting their Christian journey or simply desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus. We take a look at the foundations of our faith and what the Bible teaches us about following Christ. This 6-week discussion is designed to answer your questions and help you ROCKFORDRES.ORG/YNS understand the essential steps to take as you move forward. Please come join us in the conversation.

BREAKING FREE WORKSHOP Often, our inability to make progress in life comes down to only one or two things - habits, pitfalls, or destructive patterns - that we just can’t seem to break free from no matter how hard we try. Rather than relying on our own strength or wisdom, the key to overcoming these obstacles lies in the power of Christ, Who personally paid the price for all of our sin and has defeated the works of the enemy. He loves us so much that He longs to free us from all that holds us back. This workshop offers practical, progressive steps that help you to break the bonds of old habits ROCKFORDRES.ORG/BREAKINGFREE and live out your new identity in Christ.

MARRIAGE WORKSHOP Here at Rockford Res, we believe that when marriages are committed to serving Christ and each other, relationships thrive. Our goal is to see all marriages thrive. To help achieve this, we offer workshops throughout the year. Our Art of Marriage Workshop is a weekend retreat- style workshop that meets on a Friday evening ROCKFORDRES.ORG/ARTOFMARRIAGE and Saturday. Workshops are promoted as they become available.

GRIEFSHARE We’d like to welcome anyone who has lost a loved one to attend GriefShare. This 13-week discussion group offers help for the grieving. Each session is special and different and is designed to help you on your journey from “...to give them beauty for ashes, mourning to joy. We look forward to meeting the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of you here at Resurrection Life Church Rockford praise for the spirit of heaviness…” Isaiah 61:3 NKJV and, with God’s guidance, walk with you on your journey through this difficult time. ROCKFORDRES.ORG/GRIEFSHARE

Resurrection Life Church | 12 ONRAMP

ROCKFORDRES.ORG/ONRAMP

As a Christian, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out what comes next. Sometimes we face the “what’s next” challenge even far beyond being a new believer, maybe after a time of crisis, when we become part of a new church, or enter a new phase in our lives.

As part of our mission of being a church that is “inside out,” we want to help each one of you step more fully into the purposes that God has for you and for our community. This series is designed to further equip you in your journey of fulfilling the two greatest commandments according to Jesus - loving God and loving others (see Luke 10:27) - and also to learn more about yourself and Rockford Res. No matter where you are in your walk with God, we would like to invite you to be a part of this series.

WEEK 1 - KNOWING GOD WEEK 3 - DISCOVERING YOU

The purpose of this class is to help us make In this class we begin the journey of the shift from primarily knowing about God to discovering more about who each of us are knowing God in a way that brings life, purpose, as unique individuals, what our potential gifts, and healing to our souls. Our greatest fulfillment personalities, and strengths are, and also in life will come from knowing God and being to begin to see how each of us is uniquely known by God. This class will help us get designed to serve our world. oriented and started on this aspect of our Christian life.

WEEK 2 - FINDING FREEDOM WEEK 4 - MAKING AN IMPACT

Galatians 5:1 states that it was for (a life of true) In this class we will talk more about the freedom that Christ set us free - that we should work of the church inside and outside of avoid falling back into bondage of any kind. the four walls. We want everyone to know This class will dig into a biblical definition of what ministries this church family is involved freedom in order to orient us to a lifestyle and with and how they can become a part of a journey of freedom, culminating in us being things. There will also be a time of focusing who God created and redeemed us to be. In on practical steps each person can take this class we will touch on the topics of identity, to launch into the areas they feel called to hearing God’s voice, and abiding in Christ. engage in.

13 | Summer Guide 2019 VOLUNTEER

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We have many new and exciting volunteer opportunities here at Rockford Res. Our ministry team is made up of hundreds of volunteers; they are the fuel that make our community run.

We are confident that there’s a perfect spot for you here. Some of the opportunity areas are quite visible, such as ushers and working with children. Others are not as well known, such as preparing meals for the volunteer teams on their work nights or sending “welcome” cards to visitors. Once you are ready to get connected, visit us at a Welcome Center to view the many opportunities available.

Serving together is fun, rewarding, and builds friendships — so why wait?

JOHN AND SANDE GROSS John and Sande Gross have been attending Rockford Res for 10 years and have been volunteering at the Welcome Centers in the lobby and as hosts. They also volunteer at Fall Fest each year, and participate in Life Group, Bible studies, and City Impact.

Both John and Sande work and are active with their family, so they like that the serving opportunities at Rockford Res are flexible. “In Guest Services you can serve as little as one Sunday a month for whichever service works best… busier people could opt to just help out for specific events… There’s something for everyone.”

Outside of volunteering at Rockford Res, John and Sande love spending time with their family and friends, enjoying new restaurants and foods, and playing pickleball.

We’d like to thank John and Sande, and all of you who dedicate your time and talents serving in God’s kingdom.

Resurrection Life Church | 14 LEAN ON ME MINISTRIES ROCKFORDRES.ORG/LEANONME

Lean On Me is an extension of our family here at Rockford Res. They are a ministry that DONATIONS ACCEPTED serves to strengthen our community by helping struggling families. We do this by providing love Monday - Saturday: 9 am - noon and compassion, food, clothing, furniture, and Monday: 5 pm - 8 pm household items to those in need. Lean on Me Outreach 11555 Edgerton Ave NE VISION Rockford, MI 49341

Our Vision is to help underprivileged families 616-866-3999 in our community take their next step toward a [email protected] full and meaningful life. We strive to meet both physical and spiritual needs through sharing the Office Hours: love and compassion first shown to us by Jesus Monday - Friday: 9 am - noon Christ. Food Box Distribution Hours: To find out more about what we offer and how Monday: 5 pm - 8 pm you can help, please visit rockfordres.org/ Wednesday and Friday: 9 am - noon leanonme.

15 | Summer Guide 2019 MISSIONS ROCKFORDRES.ORG/MISSIONS

Missions are an important part of our ministry homeless, to witness Christ’s love for them, and here at Rockford Res; we partner with and to take what we learn home with us to make support many different mission efforts around a difference in our own community. We were the world. What starts within these walls actually also able to travel to Houston, Texas where resonates across the world in all sorts of different we helped with hurricane clean up. Please visit ways. We support missions as far away as India rockfordres.org/missions for information about and Sudan and as close to home as Cedar our past and upcoming mission trips. Springs. We are so excited to see the lasting impact these trips have on all our team members. Not only are we sending people out on mission trips, we are supporting missionaries all around We are involved with mission trips and the world, approximately 25 mission groups supporting missions around the world. Some altogether. We support missionary efforts recent past trips include a mission trip to nearby as well, including the local Alpha Family Guatemala to partner with Paradise Bound Center here in Cedar Springs, Michigan. They Ministries. We not only presented the Gospel strive to affirm and promote the sanctity of life. to 500 people, we distributed 380 Bibles, An example of a global mission we support is and built 5 new homes. In San Francisco, the Wycliffe Bible Translators, whose work is we partnered with the City Impact Center distributed all over the world. They strive to to provide meals for the downtrodden and bring the Gospel to every tribe and tongue.

Resurrection Life Church | 16 CITY IMPACT ROCKFORDRES.ORG/CITYIMPACT

City Impact is one of our newest ministry and set up box truck pantries, fun activities for opportunities here at Rockford Res led by Jonathan children, and much more. and Kelley Bergsma. This ministry started by finding and filling needs in our community - demonstrating City Impact began with a call from God to go out God’s love in practical and tangible ways. Local into our local community, find needs, and fill them. Impact has expanded to include grocery delivery, We didn’t know what it would look like and we mobile pantries, and other fun events. definitely didn’t imagine how fast it would grow, but we are so excited and blessed to be God’s City Impact opened a community center early in hands and feet to our neighbors. 2019. The City Impact Community Center will be a place to build relationships with neighbors in “And Jesus said, ‘For I was hungry and you gave Cedar Springs. We will offer classes, community Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave dinners, Bible studies, after school programs for Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you youth and much more. invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in We deliver groceries to neighbors in our prison and you came to visit Me.’ community who are unable to get out due to life’s circumstances. This presents a wonderful “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when opportunity to create relationships with people did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and speak life over their situations. and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing We also do Super Saturday events. On these clothes and clothe You? When did we see You Saturdays we travel into specific areas of need sick or in prison and go to visit You?’”

“THE KING WILL REPLY, ‘TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.’” MATTHEW 25:36-40

17 | Summer Guide 2019 THE BIG IDEA EXPERIENCE

Our Big Idea team is a group of NextGen aids and family resources. Each Big Idea has leaders and volunteers who have a passion a definition, animal, and color associated for teaching children positive character traits with it to make it easier for kids to remember. and values that are important for them to Each month we do 11 assemblies at six know as they grow into adults. We teach schools and connect with over 3000 kids these values through funny skits, games, and in public schools. The response to these video in local elementary school assemblies. assemblies has been phenomenal! We have The trait or value introduced in the assembly been able to witness to so many children may be built upon by the school through and have already seen the Spirit working in teacher resources, media resources, visual their lives.

MENTORING Cedar Trails has identified kids who could ROCKFORDRES.ORG/MENTOR benefit from a positive influence - and that could be you. We would love to have fun-loving, Through our Big Idea partnerships, doors have responsible adults who have a heart for children opened for an opportunity to mentor kids and who are first and foremost interested in at Cedar Trails Elementary. We are currently making the lives of these students better. For seeking people who could commit time once a more information visit our webpage. week during the school year to spend with kids.

Resurrection Life Church | 18 Service times Sundays: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm

3233 10 Mile Road Rockford, MI 49341 616.866.3377 rockfordres.org [email protected]

You can find out all kinds of information about any of our ministries, programs, service times, volunteer opportunities and much more on our website. Visit rockfordres.org to get started.

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook to stay connected and keep up on what’s happening at Rockford Res. @rockfordres You can also find us on Instagram! @rockfordres

19 | Summer Guide 2019