Let’s Connect!
A newsletter from the Authentic Community Team highlighting life stories of our members, and providing information about upcoming events.
Published on September 23rd, 2022
New Members: Ron and Elaine DeYoung
Ron and Elaine moved from the north side of Holland to a condo in Maplewood Village and are excited about joining the family at 14th St. Church. The DeYoungs have been married 55 years, have two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and will soon become great-grandparents. Ron and Elaine met when they were assigned to the same SWIM (Summer Workshop in Missions) team in Waterloo, IA in 1965.
Ron was born and raised on a small dairy farm in McBain, MI. He attended Calvin College, Calvin Seminary and Talbot School of Theology. He retired in 2011 after having pastored six CRC churches in SD, IN, CA and MI. He served as an interim pastor in several area churches for the next ten years, and recently retired completely after having served and preached for fifty years.
Elaine was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on a small vegetable farm in Atwood, MI, near Charlevoix. She attended Calvin College and taught at Creston Christian School in GR. After being a stay-at-home mom for several years, she did some more teaching, worked in retail and did in-home child care.
Ron enjoys woodworking and also keeps busy with all kinds of fix-it projects for family and friends. Elaine enjoys reading and attending plays, concerts and movies. Together they like to travel and explore our wonderful world.
New Member: Joseph Edward Singer (aka Jojo).
My name is Joseph Edward Singer B.K.A. Jo-Jo Singer. I was born in South Haven, Michigan. I was raised in Covert, Michigan. I attended Covert Public School. I graduated with honors from Covert High School. My graduation date was Sunday, June 3, 1990. I have sisters - Christine Woody-Glasper, Bernice Woody-Cherry, Oscar Woody Jr., I lived in Covert from 1973-2004. My birthday is April 14th. I am 52 years old. My hobbies are the following: poetry, recipe provider/collector, kitchen work, welcoming, encouraging, drama/acting, choir, praise team, beach, park, usher, traveling, word searches, coloring, reading & studying my Bible.
What brought me to 14th Street Christian Reformed Church is Pastor Benj & Amy Petroelje & My Good, Good Friends Phil and Kristen DeVries.
Long Time Member: Jim & Janet Polet
We have been members of 14th Street CR Church since 1967.
Our background started in the Netherlands, where both of us were born and raised. After World War 2, people did become very restless, and as a result, many tracked across the ocean and looked for a new country. Jim and I had been dating for a short while, when he informed me that his family was going to leave for Canada. He left and I stayed in the Netherlands. After corresponding for two years (no phone service across the ocean) I myself stepped on a boat and also came. This was in April of 1951. We got married in December of 1952. However, I had a brother who also had come across after the war, and in 1957 he was willing to sponsor us, so we also could move to the US. At that time, it would have been easier for us to return to the Netherlands, the reason was that all our papers took a lot of time. In September of 1958, we crossed the border in North Dakota, and we settled in Holland. There were many churches to choose from, it seems that a lot of immigrants joined Central Avenue Church. We looked around for quite a while, but then we joined Maple Avenue Church. However, in 67 we visited a few times at 14th, and the rest is history. The hospitality at 14th is fantastic, and every Sunday we look forward to joining with the fellowship of believers. The church has been caring and praying at all times.
This is a bit if our long history. God’s gifts have been great.
Long Time Members: Meredith, Micah, Joanna, Clara, Peter & Cameron VanderHill
Meredith grew up in Holland and attended 14th Street CRC and Holland Christian before heading to Calvin College. Micah grew up in Big Rapids, attending St. Peter’s Lutheran School through grade 8 before attending Big Rapids High School. Micah went to Calvin as well, and we met when we were both worship interns in the chapel. Meredith and Micah were married in 2010 and lived in Zeeland where Meredith worked as a children's ministry director until Micah started his doctorate program at Central Michigan. While living in Mount Pleasant, Meredith worked as a Worship Pastor and Faith Formation Director.
We moved back to Holland for Micah’s final rotation (when our first daughter Joanna was 10 days old). Six months later, Micah got his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a job at Holland Hospital working as an outpatient therapist— he still works there now! Meredith has been staying home with the children, but working during nap times and after bedtime doing business management and website design.
We have four children, Joanna is 7.5 years old and will be in Second Grade this fall, Clara is 4 and will start preschool, and Peter and Cameron are twins, born in October of 2021.
Some things you may not know about us: Micah worked for Sea World in Orlando for the summer in 2008 as a camp counselor for an overnight camp where he got to swim with Shamu and sleep overnight in the aquarium every week. Meredith was invited to play viola with the band Jars of Clay while she was in college. They walked into her practice room and asked if she knew their music (which she did). She joined them that evening at the sold-out show, and played with them for three songs.
Many people have favorite scriptures, but something we’ve taken to is that we have scriptures that we hold for seasons of our lives (sometimes months, sometimes years), but we hold them close for however long we need the reminder that it brings us. It began when Micah’s Grandmother passed away, she read Psalm 34 at our last family gathering and so that scripture we held onto for many years as it begins “I will bless the Lord at all times” and it meant a lot to hear these words of faithfulness from his grandmother as she was dying of cancer. More recently, one that has been with us since the pandemic began is John 16:33b. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world”. In the midst of shutdowns, Covid, Joanna’s emergency appendectomy, moving to a new home and then adding twins to our family, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the troubles and chaos of our world. “Take Heart” reminds us that God is in control, despite whatever difficult paths we face.
CHURCH FAMILY UPDATES
Rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn.
High School Graduates- 2022
Sarah Schloff
Sarah is always up for an adventure. Her next adventure will take her to Purdue University where she will study engineering. May the joy that has been evident in your life through all of life’s circumstances continue to flow out of you, and may God use your joy to bring others into the kingdom of God.
Rebekah Stilwell
Rebekah works with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength whether it be a physical task or engaging with a friend. She is headed to Lake Michigan College to continue to work on her softball skills. The two years at Lake Michigan will also enable her to narrow down which of the many talents, interests, and skills she will pursue as a career. May God equip her to serve those He places on her path who need support, encouragement, and insight.
Katy Westra
Katy has a deep desire for others to be known and feel a sense of belonging. Calvin College will be blessed to have her on campus where she will be studying speech pathology. May God continue to give her eyes of compassion – a compassion that draws people into the family of God.
El Bashir
Originally from Africa, his family joined the 14th Street community in February 2019 during the polar vortex. El Bashir successfully learned a new language and culture, and then also moved from Holland to Wyoming to make new friends and adapt to a new school. His grit and determination will take him far as he currently is hoping to play soccer at a community college in state. May God continue to use your grit, perseverance, and magnetism to impact all those He puts in your sphere of influence.
PLEASE LET RAEANNE WALTERS KNOW OF ANY LIFE CHANGES (E.G. BIRTHS OF CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN, MARRIAGES, GRADUATIONS, CAREER CHANGES, DEATHS, COMMUNICTY RECOGNITION) THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED.
Upcoming Connection Events
Connect with others at 14th Street Church at the monthly Wednesday Night Potlucks. Enjoy food and fellowship around the tables with members and friends of our 14th Street family.
Potlucks are on the 1st Wednesday of the months and start at 6:00 PM. Plates, silverware, and beverages are provided. Families are asked to contribute 2 dishes to share; singles and couples please provide 1 dish.
Each potluck evening is hosted by a household. Elder and Deacon are responsible for lining up volunteers from their household to help with set up (4:30 – 6), hosting and devotions (6 – 6:45), and clean up (6:45 – end). So, when your household leaders ask for help, please be ready to serve!
