An ARC Mission Trip is planned for August 7-9, 2015 with Sioux Falls Urban Plunge. Leave the comfort of the suburbs and the safety of the small town, and experience ministry in the inner-city with multiple faith-based social service agencies in one concentrated weekend. Move out of the pews and into the streets. Participants will leave ARC on Friday, August 7 at 3 PM and return around 3 PM on Sunday. The maximum group number of 25 high school and adult people will stay at the Sioux Falls Seminary. The $130 per person includes an Urban Plunge t-shirt, housing, meals, snacks, a facilitator to be with our group, and all materials. Registration details are available on the Narthex table.

Cory Grimm will be ordained at 4 PM today in the Worship Center as ARC’s first Associate Pastor of Worship and Spiritual Formation. Pastor Mike Altena will give a message in addition to Classis representatives.

Cory began his employment at ARC as part time Worship Coordinator in 2012 and his position expanded to full time Worship and Outreach Coordinator in 2014. This spring he completed the requirements with the denomination and passed the exams as the 50th ministry candidate supported by the Minnesota Classis. Cory graduated from Sioux Falls Seminary in 2008 with a Masters of Divinity degree, cross-cultural emphasis. He also studied Theater and Music at Luther College in Decorah, IA following high school graduation at Sioux Center in 1995.

His professional experience includes three years (2009-2012) as Director of Ministries for a Christian ministry based in Haiti. From 2003-2009, he served three churches: Director of Ministry Development at Good News Reformed Church, Sioux Falls; Interim Pastor at Alcester, SD Baptist Church; and four years as Youth Pastor/Seminary Intern at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City. Cory also performed in 800 anti-drug/anti-violence concerts in public schools nationwide from 1996-2000.

The new pastor is married to Lynn, and they have three children, Kester, Elizabeth, and Alexandra, and reside in Luverne.

Becky Ossefoort will begin full time ministry at ARC as Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator tomorrow, April 20. Previously, Becky served part time as Children’s Coordinator. With direction and assistance from the Discipleship Team and volunteers, Becky will develop, implement, and support an intentional and comprehensive discipleship strategy for ages 2 year old—12th grade. She will primarily be a coordinator and resource person who will equip volunteers and parents to nurture, mentor, and care for our children and youth.

Becky lives in rural Luverne with her husband, Josh, and children Kaylie, Austin, and Evan.

All are invited to Pioneer Clubs Award Night this Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 PM in the Worship Center. During the half hour, leaders will present to the children earned badges for both scripture studies and newly learned activities.

Another opportunity for a group of 10 people from ARC to attend a Cornerstone Church service in the SD State Penitentiary is scheduled for May 22 (sign up by May 6). This is a great way to build up men who have in many cases hit rock bottom, but are trying to rebuild their lives in Christ. Sign-up sheet is on the Narthex table. Clearance forms must be turned in to attend. See the sign-up sheet for more information, or talk to Cory Grimm.

The Outreach Team and others will attend a free workshop put on by World Renew Disaster Response Services on May 2, 9:30 AM—2 PM at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, IA. Anyone interested in helping form a disaster response team at ARC is welcome to attend. A team will be formed that is prepared to respond to local, regional, and national disasters. Talk to Cory to sign up for the workshop and/or the team.

April outing will be a Game Day on Thursday, April 23, 1:30 PM at ARC. Lunch will follow. Sign up at the Narthex table.

Pioneer Clubs are participating in a service project to collect and package school materials and hygiene items for the Deaf and Disabled School in Haiti. The congregation is also encouraged to donate. Items needed are toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, bars of soap, washcloths, crayons, markers, pencils, pens, chalk, notebooks, small toys, etc. Place your donations in the tote in the Narthex before April 22.

The Jr RCYF Youth Group is selling Butterbraids through April 19. Each Butterbraid is $12 and available in cinnamon, blueberry cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, apple, Bavarian crème, raspberry, and caramel roll. Place your order with a student in grades 6-8 or sign up at the Narthex table and make payment to the church office. All proceeds will benefit the group’s trip to Power Connection in July. Orders can be picked up at ARC on Wednesday, April 29.

Attention, all parents, grandparents, and special friends of students in grades K-5: Join us Easter Sunday, April 5, immediately following the worship service and experience the Easter story with your student. This will be an amazing hour like no other! We will visit the home of Mary, talk to the centurion at the cross and hear Peter and John at the tomb where Jesus’ body was buried. He is risen! See you there!