Good evening parents,

We have received permission from the RCA to give access to our Sunday School curriculum. It’s called Dwell and you can find it all online. It’s broken down by age groups and there are many years worth of lessons. If you would like to explore the Dwell curriculum more, please email Pastor Peter and he will add you to the list. You will then receive an email that will give you access to the lessons and printable materials.

Enjoy!

Grace & peace to you all,

I’m writing to bring you up to date on how SCRC will be responding to the restrictions that have been put in place in light of the latest coronavirus. I and the Consistory urge you to follow these directions to keep, not only yourself, but others as safe as possible.

In light of that, we are going to refrain from meeting in person for Sunday morning worship. However, Barb and I will be recording an abbreviated service so that you can hear hymns and songs being sung and contemplate God’s Word for the week. You will have two options. First, we will record a video using Facebook Live which allows you to watch the service in real time and also later if you prefer. In order to see it, make sure that you “Like” the St. Croix Reformed Church Facebook page. Second, I will record an audio version of the service as well and post it on our website (stcroixreformed.org). There will be a link that comes to your email which will allow you to listen to the service.

In addition, I want to remind you that we have started a “St. Croix Reformed Church – Virtual Bible Study” Facebook Group. Feel free to join the group and chime in during the week with questions and concerns you have regarding the text. It’s another way for us to stay spiritually connected while remaining physically distant.

One of the practical matters that we want to draw your attention to is giving. Since we will not likely be meeting in person for at least a few weeks, we know that there won’t be very many offerings coming in. There are a couple of ways to address this. First, you can give online through Network for Good using the following link: St. Croix Reformed Church. Second, I will be in the office during the week and you can drop an offering off if you prefer. Thankfully, the generosity of the members has left us in good position to weather this storm for a few weeks anyway. But, we’ll appreciate any support that you can offer along the way.

I know that these can be tense and trying times. Sometimes we hold our stress in and try to pretend it’s not there. Sometimes we force ourselves not to engage it. I want to assure you that anxiety and concern are not a lack of faith, but normal responses to difficult times. So, let me remind you that prayer and gratitude are gifts that God has given us for our spiritual and physical well-being. Breathe. Meditate. Go for walks and enjoy the creation that God has made. Remind yourself that you are loved. Remember that you are connected to a body of people defined by compassion and care. You are not alone. Should you need anything while we are physically distant, don’t hesitate to reach out to me with a call or text. You can reach me at (616) 450-9774.

May the peace of Christ and the strength of God’s Spirit be with you,

Pastor Peter

Good afternoon SCRC,

As this virus impacts not only our health but also our social and financial well-being, please keep your eyes and ears open for those struggling to make ends meet. Remember that we have a Hand 2 Hand Fund for times just like these. It’s how the church serves as the hands of Christ.

Thank you,
Pastor Peter

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!

Esther Ellis will be with us in worship this Sunday. She is an epidemiologist for the VI Department of Health and will be sharing updates and advice with us regarding the coronavirus. So, turn off the news and come get the information from a reliable source, calm your fears, and be prepared!

STAY UP TO DATE

Do you want to know what’s happening at SCRC? If you’re on Facebook, you can “Like” the St. Croix Reformed Church Facebook page. If e-mail is more your style, subscribe to updates on the home page of our website: stcroixreformed.org.

HAND 2 HAND FUND

The St. Croix Reformed Church has a fund designated to help residents who find themselves in immediate financial need to get past a crisis. The Hand 2 Hand fund may also be used in other ways to benefit the community where there are significant struggles. If you know of someone, or of a situation that needs immediate assistance, please speak with either Pastor Peter or any member of the Consistory. Perhaps we can help.

VIRGIN ISLANDS CLERGY PEACE COALITION

The VICPC on St. Croix is sponsoring faith-based community organizing because they believe that frustration without action leads to bitterness and empathy without action leads to burnout. They are looking for two representatives from each congregation to attend a workshop on Monday, March 16, at 6pm. It will be held at St. Croix Reformed Church.

LISTENING FOR GOD’S P.U.L.S.E.

Frank Rogers, in his book, Compassion In Practice, defines compassion as “simply being moved in our depths by another’s experience and responding in ways that intend either to ease the suffering or to promote the flourishing within that person.” Pastor Peter will be preaching a Lenten series on that topic. You are invited to take a copy of the book from the back of the sanctuary.

VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Peter has started a new Facebook group for a virtual Bible study. Please take some time this week to leave a comment and respond to others.

GIVING STATEMENTS

Your 2019 giving statement was emailed to you over the last two weeks. If you have not received it, please email stxreformed@gmail.com and we will send you another copy. Also, giving envelopes are still in the back of the sanctuary if you would like your donations recorded for 2020. Thank you for your support!

INWARD AND OUTWARD!

In response to the survey results, the Consistory has decided to form two teams to meet the needs and fulfill the hopes of the congregation for the year. You are invited to join them in these efforts. One team will focus on a greater sense of belonging in the congregation. The other will focus on a stronger sense of connection with the surrounding area. Mark your calendars for Monday, April 13, at 5pm and speak with one of the Consistory members listed here for more information.

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS

Lift Up Your Hearts is a new hymnbook that has been published by the Reformed Church in America. We have been making due with an older hymnbook and a new songbook, but with larger crowds on Sunday the Consistory decided it was time for an upgrade. You can dedicate a new hymnbook in memory of a loved one by purchasing a copy for use in worship. The cost is $20.

THE HANDYMAN CAN!

Property maintenance wasn’t one of Pastor Peter’s electives in seminary. Here are a few projects he would appreciate some help with:

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Sacred Breath, Wednesdays @ 6pm

Yoga for the People, Fridays @ 9am

In response to recent survey results, the Consistory has decided to form two teams to meet the needs and fulfill the hopes of the congregation for the year. You are invited to join them in these efforts. One team will focus on a greater sense of belonging in the congregation. The other will focus on a stronger sense of connection with the surrounding area.

Mark your calendars for Monday, March 9, at 5pm and speak with one of the Consistory members listed below for more information.

STAY UP TO DATE

Do you want to know what’s happening at SCRC? If you’re on Facebook, you can “Like” the St. Croix Reformed Church Facebook page. If e-mail is more your style, subscribe to updates on the home page of our website: stcroixreformed.org.

HAND 2 HAND FUND

The St. Croix Reformed Church has a fund designated to help residents who find themselves in immediate financial need to get past a crisis. The Hand 2 Hand fund may also be used in other ways to benefit the community where there are significant struggles. If you know of someone, or of a situation that needs immediate assistance, please speak with either Pastor Peter or any member of the Consistory. Perhaps we can help.

VIRGIN ISLANDS CLERGY PEACE COALITION

The VICPC on St. Croix is sponsoring faith-based community organizing because they believe that frustration without action leads to bitterness and empathy without action leads to burnout. They are looking for two representatives from each congregation to attend a workshop on Monday, March 16, at 6pm. It will be held at St. Croix Reformed Church.

LISTENING FOR GOD’S P.U.L.S.E.

Frank Rogers, in his book, Compassion In Practice, defines compassion as “simply being moved in our depths by another’s experience and responding in ways that intend either to ease the suffering or to promote the flourishing within that person.” Pastor Peter will be preaching a Lenten series on that topic. You are invited to take a copy of the book from the back of the sanctuary.

VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Peter has started a new Facebook group for a virtual Bible study. Please take some time this week to leave a comment and respond to others.

GIVING STATEMENTS

Your 2019 giving statement was emailed to you over the last two weeks. If you have not received it, please email stxreformed@gmail.com and we will send you another copy. Also, giving envelopes are still in the back of the sanctuary if you would like your donations recorded for 2020. Thank you for your support!

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS

Lift Up Your Hearts is a new hymnbook that has been published by the Reformed Church in America. We have been making due with an older hymnbook and a new songbook, but with larger crowds on Sunday the Consistory decided it was time for an upgrade. You can dedicate a new hymnbook in memory of a loved one by purchasing a copy for use in worship. The cost is $20.

THE HANDYMAN CAN!

Property maintenance wasn’t one of Pastor Peter’s electives in seminary. Here are a few projects he would appreciate some help with:

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Sacred Breath, Wednesdays @ 6pm

Yoga for the People, Fridays @ 9am

JAZZ VESPERS

Our March event is this Sunday and will feature the musical and vocal talents of Adjoa. She’ll be performing an evening of Gershwin tunes and we’ll be celebrating Virgin Islands History Month. Join us!

STAY UP TO DATE

Do you want to know what’s happening at SCRC? If you’re on Facebook, you can “Like” the St. Croix Reformed Church Facebook page. If e-mail is more your style, subscribe to updates on the home page of our website: stcroixreformed.org.

HAND 2 HAND FUND

The St. Croix Reformed Church has a fund designated to help residents who find themselves in immediate financial need to get past a crisis. The Hand 2 Hand fund may also be used in other ways to benefit the community where there are significant struggles. If you know of someone, or of a situation that needs immediate assistance, please speak with either Pastor Peter or any member of the Consistory. Perhaps we can help.

VIRGIN ISLANDS CLERGY PEACE COALITION

The VICPC on St. Croix is sponsoring faith-based community organizing because they believe that frustration without action leads to bitterness and empathy without action leads to burnout. They are looking for two representatives from each congregation to attend a workshop on Monday, March 16, at 6pm. It will be held at St. Croix Reformed Church.

LISTENING FOR GOD’S P.U.L.S.E.

Frank Rogers, in his book, Compassion In Practice, defines compassion as “simply being moved in our depths by another’s experience and responding in ways that intend either to ease the suffering or to promote the flourishing within that person.” Pastor Peter will be preaching a 6-Lenten series on that topic. You are invited to take a copy of the book from the back of the sanctuary.

VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Peter has started a new Facebook group for a virtual Bible study. Please take some time this week to leave a comment and respond to others.

INWARD AND OUTWARD!

In response to the survey results, the Consistory has decided to form two teams to meet the needs and fulfill the hopes of the congregation for the year. You are invited to join them in these efforts. One team will focus on a greater sense of belonging in the congregation. The other will focus on a stronger sense of connection with the surrounding area. Mark your calendars for Monday, March 9, at 5pm and speak with one of the Consistory members listed below for more information.

LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS

Lift Up Your Hearts is a new hymnbook that has been published by the Reformed Church in America. We have been making due with an older hymnbook and a new songbook, but with larger crowds on Sunday the Consistory decided it was time for an upgrade. You can dedicate a new hymnbook in memory of a loved one by purchasing a copy for use in worship. The cost is $20.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Sacred Breath, Wednesdays @ 6pm

Yoga for the People, Fridays @ 9am

• 

• 

Two groups, pictured above, gathered to begin a conversation about how to embody community. One group wants to create a greater sense of belonging in the church. The other group wants to build a stronger connection to the surrounding area. You are welcome to join them when they meet next on Monday, March 9, at 5pm.

HAND 2 HAND FUND The St. Croix Reformed Church has a fund designated to help residents who find themselves in immediate financial need to get past a crisis. The Hand 2 Hand fund may also be used in other ways to benefit the community where there are significant struggles. If you know of someone, or of a situation that needs immediate assistance, please speak with either Pastor Peter or any member of the Consistory. Perhaps we can help.

VIRGIN ISLANDS CLERGY PEACE COALITION The VICPC on St. Croix is sponsoring faith-based community organizing because they believe that frustration without action leads to bitterness and empathy without action leads to burnout. They are looking for two representatives from each congregation to attend a workshop on Monday, March 16, at 6pm. It will be held at St. Croix Reformed Church.

LISTENING FOR GOD’S P.U.L.S.E. Frank Rogers, in his book, Compassion In Practice, defines compassion as “simply being moved in our depths by another’s experience and responding in ways that intend either to ease the suffering or to promote the flourishing within that person.” Pastor Peter will be preaching a 6-Lenten series on that topic. You are invited to take a copy of the book from the back of the sanctuary.

VIRTUAL BIBLE STUDY Pastor Peter has started a new Facebook group for a virtual Bible study. Please take some time this week to leave a comment and respond to others.

COMING TO THE TABLE God is working to create “one new humanity” in the church. We have been given the “ministry of reconciliation.” If you’d like to see more peaceful cross-cultural relationships, then come to the table on Sunday, Feb. 16, with a drum circle at 4pm and a discussion at 5pm.

INWARD AND OUTWARD! In response to the survey results, the Consistory has decided to form two teams to meet the needs and fulfill the hopes of the congregation for the year. You are invited to join them in these efforts. One team will focus on a greater sense of belonging in the congregation. The other will focus on a stronger sense of connection with the surrounding area. Mark your calendars for Monday, March 9, at 5pm and speak with one of the Consistory members listed below for more information.

MASSAGE THERAPY You are invited to join Amie Medina and others for a lesson in message. Bring your spouse, your partner, or a friend to learn some basics in massage, stretching, and healing touch. We’ll meet in the sanctuary on Saturday, February 22^nd, from 3-5pm. Please bring some towels or floor mats with you.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Sacred Breath, Wednesdays @ 6pm Yoga for the People, Fridays @ 9am

One of the most prevalent needs and hopes that you expressed for 2020 is community. Next week is your first chance to put those desires into action. On Monday, February 10, at 5pm, you can be part of a team that plans events and activities so that the congregation can be “involved” in “outreach” or “support” one another in “peace” and “love.” The goal for this year is “growth.” With God’s help, we can achieve this goal as you play your part in the body of Christ. See you Monday!

GRILL ON THE HILL

Next Saturday, February 8^th, we’ll gather for our monthly grill. Bring something to cook or a dish to share. This month is special because it’s one of the last the Tom Calhoon will be able to attend before he takes his next assignment off island. Come thank him and celebrate his time here.

COMING TO THE TABLE

God is working to create “one new humanity” in the church. We have been given the “ministry of reconciliation.” If you’d like to see more peaceful cross-cultural relationships, then come to the table on Sunday, Feb. 16, with a drum circle at 4pm and a discussion at 5pm.

INWARD AND OUTWARD!

In response to the survey results, the Consistory has decided to form two teams to meet the needs and fulfill the hopes of the congregation for the year. You are invited to join them in these efforts. Mark your calendars for Monday, February 10, at 5pm and speak with one of the Consistory members listed below.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Sacred Breath, Wednesdays @ 6pm

Yoga for the People, Fridays @ 9am