Donna M. Empie, 72 of Gowen, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home. Mrs. Empie was born May 9, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Forest and Olive (Ripley) Dakens. She was a member of Gowen Bible Church and enjoyed playing euchre and bingo. She also liked to fish, hunt deer, flower gardening and family gatherings. She loved her dachshunds. Surviving are her husband, Anthony “Tony” whom she married on April 5, 1977; children, Renee McDonell, Chris McDonell; stepchildren, Roger (Fran Marsh) Empie, Cindy (Gary) Windsor, Ruth (Wayland) Corl; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Linda Patterson, Lorraine (Wayne) Bunker; brother-in-law, Neil (Elizabeth) Empie, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virgina; brother, Leo; and grandson, Tony. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Friday 11:00 am. Pastor Zachary Nyhuis officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gowen Bible Church. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Pastor Craig T. Owens

Calvary Assembly of God

810 17 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs

www.cscalvary.org

http://craigtowens.com 

I was looking at my calendar and saw a whole lot of special events taking up an hour here and there. Things like the Cedar Creek Cleanup, and Service Sunday (where area churches will be leaving their church services earlier than usual to do some community service projects), and plans for a special fundraising event for a local nonprofit.

And I thought to myself, “Why are these ‘special’ events?”

Of all of the things he could have said about His daily agenda, here’s how Peter—one of Jesus’ closest followers—described His activities: “He went around doing good” (Acts 10:38).

There weren’t special days or organized events for Jesus to do good, He just went around doing good wherever He went. And He asks us to do the same: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Please don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with organized events. But even better would be a daily agenda of doing good.

You don’t have to wait until Earth Day to pick up the trash you see, or help your neighbor with some yard work, or recycle your recyclables, or plant some flowers.

You don’t need to wait for Service Sunday to sing to the residents of a nursing home, or lend a hand to a friend in need, or ask City Hall about needs around Cedar Springs.

You don’t have to wait for the annual fundraiser to volunteer at a local charity, or make a surprise donation, or call to find out their most pressing needs.

It’s great when lots of people show up for these events, but it’s even better when, like Jesus, we walk around doing good every day.

May 24, 1945 to May 1, 2012

It’s been one year ago

Since God took you home.

He whispered follow Me

You will never be alone.

As He reached for your hand

Gave light for you to see,

He led you to dance with the angels

So happy and carefree.

You will always be with us.

We will never be apart.

You have everlasting memories

Imprinted in our hearts.

Loved and Missed by,

Marty, Dawn, Yvonne and family

Sitting is Dorothy Aspinall, Great-Great-Grandmother.  From left to right in the back is Sheila (Aspinall) Young, Great-Grandmother; Cindy (Young-Oliver) Mason, Grandmother; Mercedes Oliver (Milligan one day???), Mother and in Dorothy’s arms, Parker James Milligan (born April 13, 2013 to Brent Michael Milligan and Mercedes Nichol Oliver).

Thank you The family of Jane Allen wish to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped in the time of loss of our mother and grandmother. Thank you to Pastor May for you wonderful tribute. Kevin Pike for your compassionate guidance, the United Methodist women for the luncheon. And to our family and friends, a special thanks for always being there with your love, prayers and support during our grieving. Sandy, Carl, Deb Amy, Chris, Matt, Laura, Drew & Piper

Mrs. Shirley A. Post, age 81, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013. She was born in Alpine Township where her parents had a hobby farm. Shirley was a 1949 graduate of Comstock Park High School, was a majorette, and also worked at the soda fountain at Herposhiemer’s Department Store. After her graduation Shirley worked at Union Bank as a teller. In 1965 she married Rodney L. Post. When her daughter was older, Shirley worked for Cutlers where she really enjoyed sewing and also sewed Red Flannels for Cedar Springs. In 1979 she and Rodney moved to Cedar Springs and became members of St. Margaret’s parish. She served in the Altar Society, was a prayer warrior, and helped with funeral lunches, using her special macaroni and cheese recipe. Her daughter was taught to love one another, to always use respect, and to think of others first. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney on October 14, 2001, her sister, Joyce (Bob) Cramer, her brothers, Cardinal (Ruth) Helsel, John Helsel, and Harold (Gladys) Helsel. She is survived by her children, Theresa and Brian Dickerson, Rick and Irene Post; five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Leona Staab; sister-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Helsel; and “favorite daughter”, Karen Stout. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Post was offered on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of Scotland, 10195 16 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, with The Rev. Joseph W. Kenshol presiding. Interment in St. Margaret’s Cemetery. The Rosary prayer was held on Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

The Rev. David Meyers
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
1200 Post Dr., Belmont, MI  49306

Two weeks ago, churches who follow the Common Lectionary read John 21. The Gospel for the third week of Easter told of Jesus waiting with breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. As the fishing apostles approached in the early morning, Jesus fed them breakfast and then asked Peter three times if he loved him. Peter emphatically replied in the affirmative and Jesus directed him to feed his sheep.
I had the opportunity to be in that same place two years ago. Over time, the water level of the Sea of Galilee has dropped. Now the shore is much wider than it was in the first century. The receding water revealed a series of large rocks that were used as anchor stones for the fishing boats at the time of Jesus.  Each of these stones is carved in the shape of a heart. I do not know the original intention of the shape, but it seems appropriate to have heart shaped stones in that place where Jesus spoke of loving him and feeding his sheep.
Love and action have always been inseparable partners. A person cannot love God without a loving outlook toward neighbors. Therefore, in all Judeo-Christian (as well as other religious) traditions, looking out for others is mandatory. In fact, Jesus clearly stated (Matt. 21) that when the poor are fed, the naked clothed, and the sick are tended, etc. it is a deed received by God. This is how we feed his sheep.
It is good to live in a community in which that mandate is taken seriously! In Kent County, there are dozens of food pantries. Access of West Michigan (a supervising agency) reported that over 6,500 families, representing almost 20,000 individuals, are fed in Kent County through the loving donations of industries, churches, schools, and service organizations each month! In our own church (Holy Spirit Episcopal Church), together with our wonderful partners at Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Loaves and Fishes Pantry of Belmont distributed over 24,000 food items last year. I know many of you have similar stories of generosity.
When people are hungry, or sick, or cold, life becomes pretty basic. The response is also pretty basic. Without question we are to support those in our communities with special needs. Let us all remember to keep giving to local food pantries, volunteer at a center or shelter, and be aware of the people around us. Simply put, that is what Jesus told us to do when he gave the directive to feed the sheep. In the first century, the Rabbi Hillel reiterated the simplicity of God’s command, “Do unto your neighbor as you would have them do unto you; all the rest is commentary.”

Ken and Judy Wiersma of Cedar Springs will be married 50 years on April 26, 2013. Ken and Judy both are retired from Sparta Area Schools and Ken also retired from ATL/ANR Freight where he worked over 20 years. Their children are Tracey and Joe Blackmer, Nancy Watson, Keena Briggs and Jeremy Ball, all living in Cedar Springs. They have 9 grandchildren, Melissa (Blackmer) and Charlie Dubridge; Lindsay and Zack Blackmer; Madison, Sydner and Quinn Watson; and Paden and Parker Briggs and Luke Ball. All helped celebrate at a family dinner. The secret of their success is lots of patience!

Mrs. Eldona “Donie” (nee Weller) Allington, age 87, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Donie graduated from Creston High School in 1943. As a Charter Member of Pioneer Christian Reformed Church, she taught Sunday school, Women’s Bible Study, and volunteered to do whatever had to be done. Donie worked for many years as a design/layout artist for the Cedar Springs Clipper, the Rockford Register, and the Howard City Record Eagle. She was a life-long quilter, and for many years a 4-H Leader. She is survived by her husband of 68 years of marriage, George; their children, Dr. Richard and Dr. Ann Allington, Allen Allington, Len and Kimberly Allington, David and Paula Allington, Mary and Kim Coonen, and Dale and Marcey Allington; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Eugene “Spud” Ensing and Orin “Barney” (Marcie) Townes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duard and Sylva Weller, her granddaughters, Sarah Coonen and Montego Elaine Allington, and three sisters Thelma Kunst, Alma Ensing, and Arlyn Townes. The Service for Mrs. Allington will be Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Pioneer Christian Reformed Church, 3110 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, Michigan with Pastor Jim Alblas officiating. Interment in Solon Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the World Renew of the Christian Reformed Church. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home and prior to the service at church on Saturday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Virginia R. “Midge” Reed 82 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, April 19, 2013 at Metro Health Hospital. Mrs. Reed was born February 2, 1931 in Ensley Township, Michigan the daughter of Vern and Hazel (Rogers) White. Surviving are her children, Mike (Carolyn) Reed, Sharon (Jeff) Klooster, Steve (Heidi) Reed; grandchildren, Kathy (Ron) Davis, Shannon (Rob) Rowland, David (Kerri) Reed, Trey, Thomas and Trevor Reed; great grandchildren, Nolan (Rebecca) Davis, Kurt and Kelli Rowland, Hannah and Zachary Reed; brothers, Donald White, Bob (Jackie) White; sisters-in-law, Stella White, Hattie White, Esther White and Yvonne White. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence in 2011; 7 brothers and 3 sisters. The family will received friends Monday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services were held Tuesday. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs