October 2022
Many people say Christianity is too negative. They then cite the Ten Commandments with all the "Thou shalt nots". But the Word of God is incredibly positive in what it says to think and do. Take the following for examples:
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just , whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Isaiah 43:18-19 "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing...."
Galatians 5:16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desire of the flesh." The passage then goes on to list the works of the flesh but follows that up with "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
2 Timothy 2:22 "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace."
The point is that, while it is good to avoid the bad things, the best course is to replace those with a focus on good things. Therapists might say it's like skiing down a hill. If you focus on the tree you are trying to avoid you are likely to hit it! Instead focus on the path you are supposed to take. The Great Therapist knew this thousands of years before!!!
"Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).
Todd Masula
DeColores National Board Rep
DeColores News
The Fall Men's and Women's Weekends are officially complete! God is good! As always God showed up and lives were changed! So many worked so hard to make these weekends special. When the DeColores community comes together God is glorified!
So that means we are now looking with expectation to the Spring Weekends!
Men’s Weekend #267
Rector: Craig Hancock
Co-Rector: Aaron Bronkema
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Women’s Weekend #268
Rectoress: Susan Mozley
Co-Rectoress: Jenn Hawkins
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Upcoming Events
We have a few events coming up, so mark your calendars...
Fall Ultraya
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
3215 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
October 16, 2022
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
All the DeColores community and their families are welcome! Please come ready to fellowship and worship!
Bring: dish to pass, your own beverage and place setting, song book, cross, name tag
DeColores Musician’s Fall Workshop
First Christian Reformed Church
651 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
November 5, 2022
9:00 am – 12:00 noon
A musician’s workshop has been scheduled! Who should attend?
Community members interested in serving as a musician or head musician on a weekend
Musicians who have previously served on a weekend
Members wishing to become more familiar with songs in the current songbook
Members who just enjoy singing and playing!
If you are interested in attending, please pre-register by calling, emailing or texting Jim Van Wingerden, Board Musician Rep: jimvanwingerden54@gmail.com / 616.460.5992. Please register by Nov 2.
Bring: instruments you play, your DC songbook.
Fourth Day Forward
Third Reformed Church
2060 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
November 5, 2022
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Fourth Day Forward (AKA Fourth Day Workshop) is a great opportunity to learn how God uses a weekend’s structure and the preparation required of his prayerful people to change the lives of many. Attending a 4th Day Forward workshop is especially important for new crucistas wishing to serve on future weekends as inside team members. For seasoned crucistas, it also can serve to fulfill a requirement for serving as a future rector or rectoress.
In this workshop, you will learn about the weekend’s structure the steps to prepare, and how God always takes the weekend over in spite of our best laid plans!
How To Help
Churches
If you know of a church who would be willing to host a DeColores weekend, please contact Scott & Jill Hall at hall.scotte@gmail.com.
Spiritual Directors
If you know of a pastor who may be interested in serving as spiritual director on a DeColores weekend, please forward their information to the DeColores board spiritual advisor.
Rectors and Rectoresses
If you know someone who would make a great rector or rectoress, and they meet the qualifications, please submit their name to the DeColores president couple prior to approaching them about being nominated.
Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in an inside or outside team position, don’t wait! Add your name to the list now by filling out the volunteer form on the following website. https://decoloresgr.org/get-involved/
Links you should know...
Volunteer Form: If you are interested in working future weekends, click on the link and add your name and contact information to the list. Future rectors and rectoresses will use this list as they select their team.
Facebook Page: Sign up for the DeColores of Grand Rapids Facebook Page. This page is for people who have been on a Decolores of Grand Rapids sponsored weekend and would like to stay connected with the community.
