Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Family Fun Day at Metron

Aug. 4: Metron of Cedar Springs’ annual Family Fun Day will be held on Friday, August 4^th from 4 to 6 pm at 400 Jeffrey St. NE in Cedar Springs. Bring the entire family for games, food, entertainment, raffles and a balloon release. #30,31p

Summer Gospel Music Blowout

Aug. 5: This benefit to support 2^nd Chance School will be held on Saturday, August 5^th from 3 to 9 pm at 2^nd Chance School, 810 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. Music starts at 3 pm and will feature a new group each hour with Old Time Gospel Singers, Wayne Jarvie, Stroll Over Heaven, Northwoods Brothers, Traditional Country and Gospel Singers and North Country Band. There will be food, Chinese raffle, and 50-50 raffles. Come enjoy the music and support 2^nd Chance. For information contact Mike Hubert 231-335-0726 or Harvey Becker 616-460-1318. #30,31b

Sing to the Lord

Aug. 6: 2^nd Chance will be having gospel hymn sing on Sunday, August 6^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). Music will be provided by Deb and Larry Eadie and the message shared by Ron Parson. Invite your family and friends. The Sing to the Lord hymn sings will be every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. Sing to the Lord hymn sings will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #31b

Dinner at the Legion

Aug. 7: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Roast Beef and Onions dinner on Monday, August 7^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #31

Underground Railroad Michigan Connection

Aug. 10: Explore “The Underground Railroad Michigan Connection” with storyteller, historian and author Dr. Willie W. Payne on Thursday, August 10^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library in Howard City. Payne uses music, songs and photos of Michigan Underground Railroad stops to narrate stories and excite audiences while describing places throughout Michigan where fugitive slaves were harbored. The presentation is part of the 2017 One Book One County Montcalm program, which features the selection, “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi. Visit www.montcalm.edu/one-book for more information or call 989-328-2111, Ext. 261. #31

6^th Annual Keeler Brass Picnic

Aug. 15: The 6^th annual Keeler Brass picnic will be held on Tuesday, August 15^th at Sand Lake United Methodist Church, 65 W. Maple St., Sand Lake at 11 am. Please bring a dish to pass. #31,32p

Discover Michigan’s Rural Black Heritage

Aug. 15: Discover Michigan’s rural black heritage through photographs and oral history on Tuesday, August 15^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Flat River Community Library in Greenville. Through the use of oral tradition and photographs, a trained historian will share the experiences of what African-American pioneers in outstate Michigan looked like between 1880 and 1950. The presentation is part of the 2017 One Book One County Montcalm program, which features the selection, “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi. Visit www.montcalm.edu/one-book for more information or call 989-328-2111, Ext. 261. #31

Lyons School Reunion

Aug. 18: The Lyons School Reunion will be held on Friday, August 18^th at Library Park on Meddler Ave., Gowen. Just south of the Library. The time is 6 pm. Call Dave Jensen for more details. 616-696-9632. #31,32p

Free Outdoor Family Concert

Aug. 19: The Community Building Development Team is hosting a Free Outdoor Family Concert on Saturday, August 19^th from 3 to 7 pm. It will be held in the “Heart of Cedar Springs” (park near the new Library). Two bands will be performing: Barn Cats and Whiskey Bound. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy! #31-33p

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Head Start for Kent County

Apply today! North Kent Head Start a high quality preschool program is taking applications. No cost to families. 3 year old – full day classes. Family support – transportation (in most areas). Nutritious meals and snacks. Child Health and Development screenings. Accommodations for children with disabilities. Families must meet eligibility guidelines. Complete an application on our website www.hs4kc.org or call 616-453-4145. #28,29b

Potluck Picnic, Movie and Sidewalk Sales

July 14,15 : Christmas in July Community Potluck Picnic and Movie in Morley Park: The fun starts Friday, July 14^th at  6 pm in Morley Park. This year the Cedar Springs area Chamber of Commerce has decided to add a community potluck/picnic to the Christmas in July movie in Morley Park event. This is a free event where everyone is welcome. Bring the family down & a dish to pass and enjoy dinner and yard games in the park before the movie starts! This year’s Christmas in July movie will be “Arthur Christmas”. Saturday July 15^th over 90 businesses & vendors will participate in Christmas in July Sidewalk Sales. #28b

Sing to the Lord

July 16: 2^nd Chance will be having gospel hymn sing on Sunday, July 16^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). Music will be provided by Deb and Larry Eadie and the message shared by Ron Parson. Invite your family and friends. The Sing to the Lord hymn sings will be every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month. Sing to the Lord hymn sings will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #28b

Dinner at the Legion

July 17: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Baked Chicken dinner on Monday, July 17^th , from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, salad, roll, dessert and drink. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #28

VBS at Ensley Baptist Church

July 17-21: Ensley Baptist Church, 7077 E. 120^th St., Sand Lake will be hosting Vacation Bible School, “Camp Kilimanjaro” an epic expedition through Proverbs, July 17 thru 21 from 9 am to 12 noon. Ages: pre-K thru 6^th grade. #28

Alan Kazam – Magic Show

July 18: If it’s fun, laughter and unforgettable memories you’re looking for, then come watch Alan Kazam, a professional magician who has been delighting audiences with his unique brand of magic for over 20 years. Presented by the Cedar Springs Community Library on Tuesday, July 18^th from 1 to 2 pm at Cedar Springs Middle School, corner Northland Drive and 16 Mile Rd. #28

Celebrate Recovery Tent Meeting

July 18: The weekly (Tuesday at 6:30 pm) meeting fo the nationally recognized program Celebrate Recovery will be a tent meeting outside on Tuesday, July 18^th at Hillcrest Community Church, 5993 – 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Phone 616-696-9333 for more information. #28

Michigan Blood Drive

July 18: A Michigan Blood Drive will be held on July 18^th at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church from 12:30 pm until 7 pm. Members of the Cedar Springs Women’s Club will be grilling hot dogs for all those who attempt to donate. Chips and a drink will be included. Summer is a particularly slow number for donors but a high demand for blood. Each donation has the potential to save 3 Michigan lives. The Blood Center thanks all the people that donate at the Cedar Springs blood drive. #28

VBS at Cedar Springs UMC

July 24-27: Come and discover your Super strength with us at “Hero Central!” We’ll have lots of fun – including crafts, games, stories and much more. Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main Street. July 24^th to the 27^th from 6 to 8 pm. Find registration forms on our website, www.cedarspringsumc.org, outside of the Sanctuary or in the church office. Contact Sally Johnson with any questions at 616-788-8225 or email: sallex58@gmail.com. #28,29b

VBS at Resurrection Lutheran Church

July 24-28: Vacation Bible School at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 Northland Drive, Sand Lake will be held July 24^th – 28^th from 6 to 8 pm. Ages 4 years old to sixth grade (entering). For registration information, please email churchresurrection@yahoo.com or call 616-636-5502. #27-29b

Cedar Springs United Methodist Church Sesquicentennial

by Sue Harrison

In the classic play, Our Town by Thornton Wilder, the choir director tells his singers, “Remember music came into the world to give pleasure… Now look here, get it out of your head that music’s only good when it’s loud.  You leave loudness to the Methodists.  You couldn’t beat ‘em even if you wanted to.”

From the beginning of the Methodist movement in America and elsewhere, Methodists were known for their “hearty singing”, “great harmony in their singing,” and some of the most “melodious tunes ever composed for church use”—John Scott, Fine Picture of Enthusiasm (1744).  John Wesley was very particular about the texts his people were to sing, and how they were to sing them. Some of his instructions in his comments in the preface to “Sacred Melody” (1761) were to “Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength….Above all sing spiritually.”

In addition to “hearty” singing from the congregation, the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church’s choirs have been an integral part of the worship services since its beginning. Over the years the membership,the organists, and the pianists have changed, but providing harmony and teaching of the Word through music has been the focus of every choir through the years. In all forms, hymn singing became a trademark of Methodist worship.

As part of the celebration for the 150 year anniversary of the Methodist Church in  Cedar Springs, the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church is inviting everyone to an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social on July 31, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.  at the church located on Main and Church Streets. Come join the fellowship and fun of this community event to help celebrate the church’s Sesquicentennial.  Everyone is welcome.

 articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

CS Youth Football Sign-ups

July 21: Cedar Springs Youth Football sign-ups will be held on Thursday, July 21^st, Tuesday, July 26^th and Thursday, July 28^th  from 6-7:30 pm at Skinner Field Concession Stand or sign up online @ www.cedarspringsyouthfootball.com. Rocket: 3^rd – 6^th grade, Middle School, 7^th  – 8^th. Contact April Victorson 616-890-5869, a_victorson@yahoo.com. #29, 30p

AYSO Registration

July 28: The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Registration for the Fall season TODAY. Visit www.ayso902.org. Registration ends Thursday, July 28^th. #29,30p

July CS UMC Sesquicentennial Event

July 31: The public is invited to an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social on July 31^st at 4 pm at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church on the corner of Church and Main Street. This event of singing and fellowship is part of the church’s 150^th Anniversary Sesquicentennial celebration. Everyone is welcome! #30

Dinner at the Legion

Aug. 1: The American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a Roast Beef & Onions dinner on Monday, August 1^st , from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, salad, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #30p

Craft It Up at KDL

Aug. 1: Refashion old t-shirts into headbands, bracelets, gladiator sandals, dog toys, tank tops and more. Please bring a pair of flip-flops. Monday, August 1^st at 1:30 p.m., Nelson Twp./Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St., Sand Lake. #30

Free Basketball Camp

Aug. 2-5: Gowen Bible Church will host its free annual basketball camp for kids 3^rd – 8^th grade from 9 am to 12:30 pm on August 2 – 5 at its Meddler Campus, 16415 Meddler Ave., Sand Lake. Register online at www.gowenbible.org or call 616-984-2525. Contact this number for more information. #30

God’s Kitchen in Cedar Springs

Aug. 2,9,16,23,30: Join us for dinner every Tuesday. God’s Kitchen – Cedar Springs welcomes families from Northern Kent County and the surrounding area to a Tuesday Evening Meal. No charge – no registration required!  Served from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 – 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs. For more information, call the Church office at 616-696-3904. #30

Heritage Festival

Aug. 4-6: the 30^th Annual Heritage Festival is August 4 – 6 at Montcalm Heritage Village on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus. The three day celebration features historical displays, refreshments and must for all ages. Visit www.montcalm.edu/heritage-festival for more information about Montcalm Heritage Festival. #30

Help Promote Literacy

Aug. 4,10,19,23: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Thursday August 4^th at 2 pm, Wednesday August 10^th at 6 pm, Friday August 19^th at 10 am and Tuesday August 23^rd at 2 pm. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #30

Free Lake Effect Concert

Aug. 7: Free Lake Effect Concert featuring the band “Round Brown Suitcase” will be held on Sunday, August 7^th from 12 to 3:30 pm (band starts at 12:30 pm). The concert will be held at Bostwick Lake UCC Church, 7979 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford. Donations and food sales will benefit Pause with a Cause. Contact Lisa Atchison, 616-634-6459 with any questions. #30,31p

Celebrate Curious George’s 75th Anniversary with a Day of Discovery

Aug. 10: Make a yellow hat to wear as you learn about space, rainbows, the senses, the sun and the ocean through various crafts and hands-on activities. Note that while we celebrate his character, Curious George will not be in attendance. Wednesday, August 10^th at 10 a.m., Spencer Twp. KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #30

Rummage Sale at CS UMC

Aug. 10,11: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Women will hold a rummage sale in the fellowship hall on the corner of Main and Church Streets. August 10, Wednesday, from 9 am to 7 pm and August 11, Thursday, from 9 am to 2 pm. There will be a bag sale on Thursday. Proceeds go toward their mission projects. #30,31p

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Red, White & Blue Book Sale

June 30-July2: The Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St., will be having a Red, White & Blue Book Sale on Thursday, June 30^th from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday, July 1^st from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday, July 2^nd from 10 am to 2 pm. #26

Patriotic Hymn Sing & Music

July 3: On Sunday, July 3^rd the Sand Lake Village Churches will present a Patriotic Hymn Sing at the downtown street stage at 5:30 pm and a Christian performance by “Gained Access” at 7 pm. Join us for an evening of celebrating our faith in God and Country. #26

Cooking Matters for Families Workshop

July 7: Cooking Matters for Families Workshop encourages families to work together to make healthy meals that everyone will enjoy. Cooking Matters encourages participants to select nutritious foods, prepare and cook healthy foods side by side, and choose budget-friendly healthy ingredients that the whole family will enjoy. This is a FREE 6 week workshop for adults and youth (10yrs and up). Limited space available. Begins on July 7 from 9-11 am at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Ave, Cedar Springs. This workshop is offered by MSU Extension with the food pantry at Solon Center Wesleyan Church. Please contact Terry Gafurovic to register at 616.696.3229 or terrygaf79@gmail.com. #24-26

Recycle Your Reads at KDL

July 7: Turn well-loved books into hand-crafted treasures! Decorate your home with book birdhouses and folded book hearts, or create a star wreath and decorate a mini paper lantern. Bring your own titles or use ours. For Adults. Thursday, July 7^th at 6 p.m., Spencer Twp. KDL Branch, 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen. #26

Curious George’s 7^th Anniversary

July 8: Celebrate Curious George’s 75th Anniversary with a Day of Discovery. Make a yellow hat to wear as you learn about space, rainbows, the senses, the sun and the ocean through various crafts and hands-on activities. Note that while we celebrate his character, Curious George will not be in attendance.  Friday, July 8^th at 1:30 p.m., Nelson Twp. / Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #26

Flat River Community Players present “Young Frankenstein”

July 8-16: The Flat River Community Players present the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein” at 7:30 pm on July 8, 9, 15 & 16 and at 2 pm on July 10^th at the Greenville Area Community Centre. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 students and senior citizens. Reserve tickets with VISA or MasterCard at www.flatrivershowclix.com or by calling 888-71-TICKETS (8425387). Tickets will also be available at the door. #26

Going for Gold!

July 9: Check in at the athlete registration table and dive in! Participate in Olympic-inspired games, then exercise your brain with themed crafts to become a medalist. Saturday, July 9^th at 1:30 p.m., Nelson Twp. / Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #26

Crazy in the Kitchen with Mandy Thompson

July 11: Teens can learn kitchen basics while discovering new tastes and smells. They will create fun snacks or dishes that they will be able to eat. Pre-registration is required. 616-784-2007. Monday, July 11^th at 1:30 p.m., Nelson Twp./ Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #26

VBS at First Baptist Church

July 13: First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, 233 S. Main Street is hosting Vacation Bible School for kids age 3 through entering 6^th grade, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday nights starting July 13^th and ending August 10^th. “Ready, Set, Climb!” takes students on a hiking adventure where they will study word pictures from the book of John and discover what it looks like to follow Jesus every step of the way. For more information, contact the church office at office@csfbc.com or 616-696-1630. #26

Hosts Needed for Chinese Students

July 19: Looking to go to China, but can’t afford it? We’ll bring China to you. Network 153 and Pine Ridge Bible Camp are hosting 73 Chinese students from Lu He International High School in Beijing July 19 thru August 8. They’re traveling to Grand Rapids to be immersed in English, while attending Pine Ridge Bible Camp August 1-6. We’re looking for host families who would open up their hearts and homes. A $150 stipend, will be given to each family per student hosted to help defray costs. Contact Tim Bauer for more information at (616) 799-4935 or at network153usa@gmail.com. #25-28p

The original Methodist Episcopal Church built on the corner of Main and Church Streets in Cedar Springs. Its cornerstone was laid August 17, 1870 and the church was dedicated June 7, 1871. This newly built Methodist church cost $6000 and was the tallest building north of Grand Rapids in 1871. The spire with the bell tower could be seen for miles.

by Sue Harrison

The roots of religious heritage in Cedar Springs are as deep and long as the history of the people who settled it. No group or community can survive long without some common belief or religions commitment to bind them together.

The very first sermon in Cedar Springs was preached in 1855 by a Methodist Episcopal preacher, Rev. W. W. Johnson, a circuit rider. Those services were held in the little log schoolhouse, which was then located on the southeast corner of Main and Muskegon Streets. A class of eight persons formed and continued to be served by Laphamville Circuit riders. (Laphamville was the original name for Rockford, Mich.)

The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized on October 6, 1866, with Preacher in Charge, Rev Burton Smith, along with four circuit riders who served eight other outposts in the North Kent area. Thus, the Methodist Episcopal Church became the second organized church in Cedar Springs.

This year, 2016, marks a milestone for the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, which will be celebrating 150 years serving Cedar Springs through Christian worship. As part of its Sesquicentennial celebration, the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church has planned the following events open to the public throughout the summer and fall.

June 25 – Following a week of Vacation Bible School, there will be a Field Day held at Skinner Field with games, bounce house, and face painting. Hot dogs, chips and water will be provided.

July 31 – Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social held at the church.

August 28 – Tent Revival in Morley Park, with hot dogs, chips, and water served afterward.

Oct. 1 – Red Flannel Day. Parade entry of circuit rider and a horse-drawn float.

Oct. 16 – Jubal Brass Concert at the CS United Methodist Church with a reception following the concert.

Nov. 20 – Rededication of the church cornerstone. Former pastors will be invited. A potluck will be held after the morning church service and before the ceremony.