Order of Worship
Sunday, May 17
*I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Welcome & Call to Worship
Announcements
Baptisms
*This I Believe (The Creed)
Prayer & Offering | Joel Bartlett
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
Message |Todd Slechta, Guest Pastor
*The Church's One Foundation
Communion
*He Will Hold Me Fast
*The Doxology
Benediction
*Congregational Song
*I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Welcome & Call to Worship
Announcements
Baptisms
*This I Believe (The Creed)
Prayer & Offering | Joel Bartlett
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
Message |Todd Slechta, Guest Pastor
*The Church's One Foundation
Communion
*He Will Hold Me Fast
*The Doxology
Benediction
*Congregational Song
Connection card
New(er) to Thornapple?
Learn a little more about us by getting an email from each one of our pastors (we promise, we will only send you three emails unless you ask us for more info or to be added to a list)!
Learn a little more about us by getting an email from each one of our pastors (we promise, we will only send you three emails unless you ask us for more info or to be added to a list)!
Want to learn more about one of our ministry areas or get signed up to receive emails?
Fill out the form and someone will be in contact with you to share more info or you'll be added to our email list(s).
Fill out the form and someone will be in contact with you to share more info or you'll be added to our email list(s).
Help us keep our info current!
Recently moved? Changed your email or got a new phone number? Please share your new contact info with us and we'll update our database!
Recently moved? Changed your email or got a new phone number? Please share your new contact info with us and we'll update our database!
sermon Notes
Giving
Offering
Support the ministry and mission of Thornapple through the regular practice of giving generously from the financial resources entrusted to you by God.
Support the ministry and mission of Thornapple through the regular practice of giving generously from the financial resources entrusted to you by God.
Your financial gifts can be:
- Made online through our online giving platform
- Mailed to the church office (6595 Cascade Rd. SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546)
- Given during in-person worship on Sunday mornings
We closed out April still ahead of annual budgeted giving, but the month itself was lower than anticipated. As we enter the summer months, please remember Thornapple in your giving, as we look forward to what God has in store for us with VBS and TSM and various service projects!
Events
- Special Member Meeting | Sunday, May 31 following worship. Details HERE.
- Lectio at Lunch | Mondays at noon on Zoom through June 1. Details/meeting link HERE.
- VBS 2026 | June 22-25 | Learn more and sign up HERE.
- Community Center Sports
Volleyball (contact Linda Winer): Tuesdays, 8-9:30pm
WholyFit (contact Karalyn Tresh): Fridays, 9:30-10:30am
NEWS
Spiritual Direction | Learn more about what it is and request to get matched to a spiritual director HERE.
New(er) to Thornapple? Curious what Thornapple is all about?
Share your name/email with us and you’ll get 3 introductory emails from our pastors and nothing more (we promise). Sign up HERE.
Sunday Programming
Nursery (birth to 3-years-old) and Kingdom Kids (4-years-old to 6th grade) | Everyone checks in the middle Lobby by Door B; nursery age children can be brought downstairs before worship. Summer Kingdom Kids (4s-4th grade; 5th-6th can help or stay in worship) begins May 31. Kids start in worship with families until they are dismissed around 10:20. Parents can pick up children in the Lower Level following worship. The third Sundays of the month, kids return for communion (after the sermon).
Middle School Ignite (7th-8th) | On break for the summer, will resume in the fall.
HS Huddle (9th-12th) | Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm - last gathering May 17
Pine Rest Church Assistance Program
Complimentary counseling (and other programs – just say “I have a CAP with Thornapple Covenant Church” when you call to make an appointment) for you and your family and access to a virtual library of mental health resources (use the password “Thornapple” when prompted). Learn more HERE.
Stephen Ministry
Going through a crisis or having a difficult time? Maybe you could benefit from receiving care in a one-on-one partnership with a trained Stephen Minister. Contact Lynne McLaughlin
New(er) to Thornapple? Curious what Thornapple is all about?
Share your name/email with us and you’ll get 3 introductory emails from our pastors and nothing more (we promise). Sign up HERE.
Sunday Programming
Nursery (birth to 3-years-old) and Kingdom Kids (4-years-old to 6th grade) | Everyone checks in the middle Lobby by Door B; nursery age children can be brought downstairs before worship. Summer Kingdom Kids (4s-4th grade; 5th-6th can help or stay in worship) begins May 31. Kids start in worship with families until they are dismissed around 10:20. Parents can pick up children in the Lower Level following worship. The third Sundays of the month, kids return for communion (after the sermon).
Middle School Ignite (7th-8th) | On break for the summer, will resume in the fall.
HS Huddle (9th-12th) | Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm - last gathering May 17
Pine Rest Church Assistance Program
Complimentary counseling (and other programs – just say “I have a CAP with Thornapple Covenant Church” when you call to make an appointment) for you and your family and access to a virtual library of mental health resources (use the password “Thornapple” when prompted). Learn more HERE.
Stephen Ministry
Going through a crisis or having a difficult time? Maybe you could benefit from receiving care in a one-on-one partnership with a trained Stephen Minister. Contact Lynne McLaughlin
Making a Difference
- Hearts for Sewing | The group meets Noon-3pm the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The sewing group is collecting donations of 100% cotton flannel fabric, or monetary donations for us to purchase these supplies. All donations can be brought to the church office or you can contact Diane Kunkler for more information. Thanks to all who have donated.
- Love hanging out with babies/toddlers? Children’s Ministry could use your help as a Nursery volunteer on Sunday mornings. Please contact Lisa Udell if you are able to help and she we get you on the schedule!
order of worship
Sunday, May 17
*I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Welcome & Call to Worship
Announcements
Baptisms
*This I Believe (The Creed)
Prayer & Offering | Joel Bartlett
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
Message |Todd Slechta, Guest Pastor
*The Church's One Foundation
Communion
*He Will Hold Me Fast
*The Doxology
Benediction
*Congregational Song
*I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Welcome & Call to Worship
Announcements
Baptisms
*This I Believe (The Creed)
Prayer & Offering | Joel Bartlett
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
Message |Todd Slechta, Guest Pastor
*The Church's One Foundation
Communion
*He Will Hold Me Fast
*The Doxology
Benediction
*Congregational Song
sermon outline & Notes
Scripture
Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
Matthew 16:13-18 (NLT)
giving
Offering
Support the ministry and mission of Thornapple through the regular practice of giving generously from the financial resources entrusted to you by God. Your collective generosity has provided a strong start to the year – thank you! Your continued regular giving will fund Thornapple’s mission and ministry as planned in the months ahead. Thank you for your faithfulness!
Support the ministry and mission of Thornapple through the regular practice of giving generously from the financial resources entrusted to you by God. Your collective generosity has provided a strong start to the year – thank you! Your continued regular giving will fund Thornapple’s mission and ministry as planned in the months ahead. Thank you for your faithfulness!
Your financial gifts can be:
- Made online through our online giving platform
- Mailed to the church office (6595 Cascade Rd. SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546)
- Given during in-person worship on Sunday mornings.
We closed out April still ahead of annual budgeted giving, but the month itself was lower than anticipated. As we enter the summer months, please remember Thornapple in your giving, as we look forward to what God has in store for us with VBS and TSM and various service projects!
Events
- Lectio at Lunch | Mondays at noon on Zoom | Through June 1. Details/meeting link HERE.
- VBS 2026 | June 22-25 | Learn more and sign up HERE.
- Special Member Meeting | Sunday, May 31 following worship. Details HERE.
- Community Center Sports
Volleyball (contact Linda Winer): Tuesdays, 8-9:30pm
WholyFit (contact Karalyn Tresh: 616-304-0592): Fridays, 9:30-10:30am
News
Spiritual Direction | Learn more about what it is and request to get matched to a spiritual director HERE.
New(er) to Thornapple? Curious what Thornapple is all about?
Share your name/email with us and you’ll get 3 introductory emails from our pastors - and nothing more (we promise). Sign up HERE.
Sunday Programming
Nursery (birth to 3-years-old) and Kingdom Kids (4-years-old to 6th grade) | Everyone checks in the middle Lobby by Door B; nursery age children can be brought downstairs before worship. Summer Kingdom Kids (4s-4th grade; 5th-6th can help or stay in worship) begins May 31. Kids start in worship with families until they are dismissed around 10:20. Parents can pick up children in the Lower Level following worship. The third Sundays of the month, kids return for communion (after the sermon).
Middle School Ignite (7th-8th) | On break for the summer, will resume in the fall.
HS Huddle (9th-12th) | Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm - last gathering May 17
Pine Rest Church Assistance Program
Complimentary counseling (and other programs – just say “I have a CAP with Thornapple Covenant Church” when you call to make an appointment) for you and your family and access to a virtual library of mental health resources (use the password “Thornapple” when prompted). Learn more HERE.
Stephen Ministry
Going through a crisis or having a difficult time? Maybe you could benefit from receiving care in a one-on-one partnership with a trained Stephen Minister. Contact Lynne McLaughlin
New(er) to Thornapple? Curious what Thornapple is all about?
Share your name/email with us and you’ll get 3 introductory emails from our pastors - and nothing more (we promise). Sign up HERE.
Sunday Programming
Nursery (birth to 3-years-old) and Kingdom Kids (4-years-old to 6th grade) | Everyone checks in the middle Lobby by Door B; nursery age children can be brought downstairs before worship. Summer Kingdom Kids (4s-4th grade; 5th-6th can help or stay in worship) begins May 31. Kids start in worship with families until they are dismissed around 10:20. Parents can pick up children in the Lower Level following worship. The third Sundays of the month, kids return for communion (after the sermon).
Middle School Ignite (7th-8th) | On break for the summer, will resume in the fall.
HS Huddle (9th-12th) | Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm - last gathering May 17
Pine Rest Church Assistance Program
Complimentary counseling (and other programs – just say “I have a CAP with Thornapple Covenant Church” when you call to make an appointment) for you and your family and access to a virtual library of mental health resources (use the password “Thornapple” when prompted). Learn more HERE.
Stephen Ministry
Going through a crisis or having a difficult time? Maybe you could benefit from receiving care in a one-on-one partnership with a trained Stephen Minister. Contact Lynne McLaughlin
Making a difference
- Hearts for Sewing | The group meets Noon-3pm the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The sewing group still needs donations of 100% cotton flannel fabric, or monetary donations for us to purchase these supplies. All donations can be brought to the church office or you can contact Diane Kunkler for more information. Thanks to all who have donated.
- Love hanging out with babies/toddlers? Children’s Ministry could use your help as a Nursery volunteer on Sunday mornings. Please contact Lisa Udell if you are able to help and she we get you on the schedule!