🎙️ TODAY’S HEADLINER

More Than a Building: A Vision for Ministry.  A few weeks ago, we shared Brown Church Development’s June 22 recommendations and announced their next step: a preliminary design presentation on Vision Sunday, September 29. Between now and then, we’ll share short updates to help paint the picture. Let’s begin with the why behind it all.

FRC’s Long-Term Vision is to drive long-term growth and vitality—strength, passion, activity, and engagement—by intentionally focusing on the spiritual health and involvement of young families. We believe that discipleship for all ages—beginning with infants and continuing through children, students, and parents—is essential to a thriving church. This intentional focus is often called Family Ministries.

Why is this focus so important?

• Multi-Generational Impact – Parents and caregivers shape multiple generations.
• Daily Spiritual Influence – Families lead faith formation in the most critical years.
• Lifeblood for the Future – A strong investment in families now builds a vibrant FRC tomorrow.
  

This focus doesn’t diminish our ministry with seasoned disciples. In fact, their mentoring, wisdom, and presence are a foundation and key support for the next generation’s growth.

What’s holding us back? Our current facility presents some challenges. It doesn’t naturally support the kind of vibrant, family-focused ministry we’re called to create. And beyond that, we face broader operational needs—our electrical system, for example, is already maxed out. Younger families are looking for a church that actively supports faith and family—offering a safe children’s ministry, opportunities for connection, and a clear commitment to growth. We want FRC to be that church.

The Path Forward. That’s why the Consistory brought in Brown Church Development to help us plan wisely. Their June 22 recommendation focuses on a new Ministry Hub—a welcoming, flexible space designed to foster connection, conversation, hospitality, and spiritual growth. It's not about bigger countertops—it’s about creating a space that reflects FRC’s heart for people. The Ministry Hub is one step toward a broader vision of faithfulness and growth. A Project Team—Jim Blok, Eric Hahn, Dean Hengst, Joel Hoffmann, Peg Lemkuil, and Pastor Bob—is helping guide this work.

We'll continue sharing updates as we approach Vision Sunday on September 29. To watch the full June 22 presentation, click here or type it in your browser: https://youtu.be/FisFATPLsY4

🍦🗞️SUNDAY SCOOPS 

The Consistory & friends grabbed their shovels and set out on a high-stakes mission to tackle a slightly wild yard for someone in need. There were weeds. There was sweat. And the gal's shutdown any ideas of a leaf blower duel...

In the end… the team bonded, the yard shined, and no elders were harmed in this  mission. Just your everyday example of faith, service, and a few sore backs in action. #ConsistoryCleanup #YardSquad #ChurchInAction

The Guest Experience… At our recent Grill & Chill kick-off, someone asked a powerful question:  “If one of our invited guests actually comes to worship on Sunday… what will their experience be when they walk in the door?” That question stuck. Studies show that visitors decide within the first 7–10 minutes whether they’ll return. That means we—not the pastor, not the music—are their first impression. Recently, a guest told us they were only greeted by the few people who knew they were coming. Ouch.

The narthex is full most Sundays—which is wonderful!  But here’s something to try: next week, pause and scan the room. Ask yourself: Are there "holy huddles" (tight clusters of familiar faces)? Are there people lingering at the edges—maybe not quite sure where they belong? These moments are opportunities.

While the Grill & Chill team focuses on inviting people in, we also have a chance to shape what they find once they arrive. A few small shifts can make a big difference:

👋 Be Genuinely Friendly –  Go beyond “hi.” Learn a name. Ask a question. Offer help.

👀 Keep Your Eyes Open –  Notice people standing alone, families unsure where to go, or first-time guests lingering at the edges.

🧭 Be a Guide – “Can I help you find anything?” is more powerful than pointing. Walk with them. Introduce them to someone.

Let’s be a church where no one has to wonder if they’re welcome—because they already know. Want help knowing what to say or do? Ask! We’re in this together.

📢SOUNDBITES  

☑️Food Vault served 28 families this past week!

☑️Last Week’s Statistics:  Attendance - 317 and offering - $16,758. Month-to-Date Special offering is $1,952. The June/July special offering options are 🌏Ben Johnson – serving in Thailand with Serge and/or ❤️ Samaritan’s Hand – a Christ-centered addiction recovery ministry in Sheboygan. The Deacons so appreciate your dedication to helping provide additional support to various ministries!

Connect With Us!

Everyone - come join us for cookies, coffee or cold drink after the service!  Just exit left out of the Sanctuary and follow people to the Fellowship Room!