Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 05-03-2026
What’s Good About the Church
About The Service:
We will witness the installation of our new Elders and Deacons. Reverend Jonker will preach on Acts 11:19-30, a passage where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we see the church beginning to take form.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-5-3-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
What’s Good About the Church: Embracing the Spirit and the Institution
What’s Good About the Church?
A defense of the institutional church and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
May 03, 2026
Core Argument
"Negative stories are not our main story. We are still the bride of Christ, and the Holy Spirit still moves in us."
1
The Spirit’s Surprise
The Spirit moves beyond strategic plans (e.g., the Gentile mission in Acts, the Ethiopian revival, and modern digital shifts like livestreams).
2
Institutional Grace
Structure provides essential oversight, theological teaching, leadership training, and organized benevolence to the community.
3
The Barnabas Model
Being a "Son of Encouragement"—standing by others when they are untrusted and fostering growth in new communities.
Crisis of Trust
32%
Church Favorability (2024)
27%
Trust in Leaders (2024)
*Down from ~65% in the 1960s/90s
Key Figure: Barnabas
Meaning "Son of Encouragement." He bridged the gap for Paul when the church was suspicious and led the Antioch mission.
#Acts11 #HolySpirit #Ordination #Leadership
Source: LaGrave Avenue CRC Service TranscriptEst. Reading Time: 12 min
This worship service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the ordination and installation of new church officers while addressing modern skepticism toward religious institutions. The message highlights how the Holy Spirit works through both spontaneous movement and organized church structures to foster encouragement and benevolence.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Servant Leadership and Ordination
The service emphasizes that leadership within the church is defined by servanthood rather than the exercise of authority, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and give his life as a ransom. During the ceremony, several individuals were ordained and installed into the offices of elder and deacon, committing to oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and promote ministries of service. These leaders are charged to be mature in faith, exercising their duties with prayer, patience, and humility while supporting the pastors and the community.
The Ministry of Encouragement
A central theme of the service is the biblical figure Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Through the children's message and the subsequent sermon, the congregation is reminded that encouragement is a vital tool for helping others persevere through difficulties. Barnabas serves as a model for the church because he stood by those whom others mistrusted, such as the apostle Paul, and empowered new faith communities to remain true to the Lord.
The Decline in Public Trust (1965 vs. 2024)
Reflecting on the sermon's data regarding the general public's perception of the church and its leaders.
65%
1965 Favorability
32%
2024 Favorability
Trust in church leaders has similarly dropped from 65% to 27% in the same period.
The Synergy of Spirit and Institution
The sermon addresses the tension between the "organic" movement of the Holy Spirit and the "institutional" nature of the church. Using the growth of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and modern examples like the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, the message argues that while the Spirit often initiates surprising new directions—such as LaGrave’s unplanned adoption of livestreaming and property acquisition—the institution provides the necessary framework to sustain that growth. The institutional church functions through oversight, teaching, the training of leaders, and the organized response to community needs.
Four Pillars of the Institutional Church
⚖️ Oversight: Discerning the spirits to ensure movements are of God.
📖 Teaching: Providing theological formation beyond mere enthusiasm.
🎓 Training: Encouraging and equipping new leaders for ministry.
🤝 Benevolence: Recognizing community needs and responding with resources.
Community Prayer and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive intercessory prayer, covering local health needs, the celebration of new births, and the support of missionaries. The prayer also extended globally, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran, and requesting protection for persecuted believers in nations such as Sudan, Nigeria, China, and North Korea.
Key Data
Public Perception: Favorable impression of the church has declined from 60-65% in the mid-1960s to 32% in 2024.
Trust in Leaders: General trust in church leaders has fallen from 65% in 1990 to 27% today.
Historical Growth: The Ethiopian Lutheran Church grew from 100 to 10,000 members between 1938 and 1945 without foreign missionaries.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members should check the bulletin for events occurring during the 10:00 hour following the service.
Attend the evening service recognizing graduates tonight at 5:30 PM (note the earlier start time).
Submit prayer requests using the cards in the pew racks and drop them in the wood box outside the chapel.
Participate in the National Day of Prayer noontime gathering this coming Thursday.
Conclusion
Despite the prevailing cultural cynicism toward organized religion, the church remains a vital vessel for the Holy Spirit’s work. By balancing spontaneous spiritual movement with institutional stability and a commitment to servant leadership, the community continues to offer a unique narrative of hope, healing, and benevolence to the world.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 05-03-2026
What’s Good About the Church
About The Service:
We will witness the installation of our new Elders and Deacons. Reverend Jonker will preach on Acts 11:19-30, a passage where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we see the church beginning to take form.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-5-3-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
What’s Good About the Church: Embracing the Spirit and the Institution
What’s Good About the Church?
A defense of the institutional church and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
May 03, 2026
Core Argument
"Negative stories are not our main story. We are still the bride of Christ, and the Holy Spirit still moves in us."
1
The Spirit’s Surprise
The Spirit moves beyond strategic plans (e.g., the Gentile mission in Acts, the Ethiopian revival, and modern digital shifts like livestreams).
2
Institutional Grace
Structure provides essential oversight, theological teaching, leadership training, and organized benevolence to the community.
3
The Barnabas Model
Being a "Son of Encouragement"—standing by others when they are untrusted and fostering growth in new communities.
Crisis of Trust
32%
Church Favorability (2024)
27%
Trust in Leaders (2024)
*Down from ~65% in the 1960s/90s
Key Figure: Barnabas
Meaning "Son of Encouragement." He bridged the gap for Paul when the church was suspicious and led the Antioch mission.
#Acts11 #HolySpirit #Ordination #Leadership
Source: LaGrave Avenue CRC Service TranscriptEst. Reading Time: 12 min
This worship service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the ordination and installation of new church officers while addressing modern skepticism toward religious institutions. The message highlights how the Holy Spirit works through both spontaneous movement and organized church structures to foster encouragement and benevolence.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Servant Leadership and Ordination
The service emphasizes that leadership within the church is defined by servanthood rather than the exercise of authority, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and give his life as a ransom. During the ceremony, several individuals were ordained and installed into the offices of elder and deacon, committing to oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and promote ministries of service. These leaders are charged to be mature in faith, exercising their duties with prayer, patience, and humility while supporting the pastors and the community.
The Ministry of Encouragement
A central theme of the service is the biblical figure Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Through the children's message and the subsequent sermon, the congregation is reminded that encouragement is a vital tool for helping others persevere through difficulties. Barnabas serves as a model for the church because he stood by those whom others mistrusted, such as the apostle Paul, and empowered new faith communities to remain true to the Lord.
The Decline in Public Trust (1965 vs. 2024)
Reflecting on the sermon's data regarding the general public's perception of the church and its leaders.
65%
1965 Favorability
32%
2024 Favorability
Trust in church leaders has similarly dropped from 65% to 27% in the same period.
The Synergy of Spirit and Institution
The sermon addresses the tension between the "organic" movement of the Holy Spirit and the "institutional" nature of the church. Using the growth of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and modern examples like the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, the message argues that while the Spirit often initiates surprising new directions—such as LaGrave’s unplanned adoption of livestreaming and property acquisition—the institution provides the necessary framework to sustain that growth. The institutional church functions through oversight, teaching, the training of leaders, and the organized response to community needs.
Four Pillars of the Institutional Church
⚖️ Oversight: Discerning the spirits to ensure movements are of God.
📖 Teaching: Providing theological formation beyond mere enthusiasm.
🎓 Training: Encouraging and equipping new leaders for ministry.
🤝 Benevolence: Recognizing community needs and responding with resources.
Community Prayer and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive intercessory prayer, covering local health needs, the celebration of new births, and the support of missionaries. The prayer also extended globally, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran, and requesting protection for persecuted believers in nations such as Sudan, Nigeria, China, and North Korea.
Key Data
Public Perception: Favorable impression of the church has declined from 60-65% in the mid-1960s to 32% in 2024.
Trust in Leaders: General trust in church leaders has fallen from 65% in 1990 to 27% today.
Historical Growth: The Ethiopian Lutheran Church grew from 100 to 10,000 members between 1938 and 1945 without foreign missionaries.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members should check the bulletin for events occurring during the 10:00 hour following the service.
Attend the evening service recognizing graduates tonight at 5:30 PM (note the earlier start time).
Submit prayer requests using the cards in the pew racks and drop them in the wood box outside the chapel.
Participate in the National Day of Prayer noontime gathering this coming Thursday.
Conclusion
Despite the prevailing cultural cynicism toward organized religion, the church remains a vital vessel for the Holy Spirit’s work. By balancing spontaneous spiritual movement with institutional stability and a commitment to servant leadership, the community continues to offer a unique narrative of hope, healing, and benevolence to the world.
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 04-26-2026
Stepping Out
About The Service:
It's GEMS Sunday, the Sunday when our GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) help lead the service. Pastor Jonker will be preaching, and he will preach on the GEMS text, Deuteronomy 7:19 and their theme, “Walk on Water.“
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-4-26-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
Stepping Out: A Celebration of Faith and Growth
LaGrave Live: Stepping Out
A spiritual roadmap on trusting God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms.
1
GEMS Celebration
"Walk on Water" theme focusing on youth trust.
2
Public Profession
Commitment of faith by Charlie & Will.
3
The Call
Peter's choice to leave the boat in the storm.
4
Divine Assurance
Jesus is ahead, behind, and all around us.
Sermon Core: Matthew 14
"Stepping out is hard because there is nothing between you and the icy depths... but Jesus is already out there."
✔The Risk: Faith requires leaving the "safety" of the boat (comfort/stagnation).
✔The Scale: Stepping out is often small/daily (e.g., including a difficult classmate).
✔The Safety: Success isn't guaranteed, but being "okay" in Christ is.
1,000Generations of faithfulness (Deut 7:9)
Avoid Pitfalls
The voice of "Reasonable Safety"
Keywords
#GEMS #Faith #Resurrection #Community
Duration: ~87 mins | Speaker: Pastor Peter & Tina LaGrave Avenue CRC
Introduction
On April 26, 2026, La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church held a vibrant service centered on the theme of "Stepping Out." The congregation celebrated the GEMS girls' ministry, witnessed the public profession of faith of two new members, and explored the biblical call to trust God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms.
Detailed Points of Reflection
1. GEMS Sunday: Walking on Water
The service highlighted the GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) program, a youth ministry for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. This year’s theme, "Walk on Water," focused on stepping out to trust a faithful God. Hailey Cornolia and Annalee Vandenberg shared "ministry moments," describing a year filled with Bible stories, creative crafts, and community-building events like the Lake Michigan overnighter and a father-daughter Western line-dancing night. The program aims to create a space of belonging where girls learn to rely on Jesus to stay afloat through life's challenges.
GEMS 2025-2026: "Walk on Water"
🌊 Theme: Stepping out in faith and trusting God's covenant.
🎨 Activities: Bible character reenactments, craft coordination, and outdoor games.
✨ Highlights: Lake Michigan retreat, Orchard hayrides, and Father-Daughter dance.
"God is our refuge, our lighthouse, and our peace."
2. Public Profession of Faith
The congregation witnessed Charlie Cornolia and Will Sadler make their public profession of faith. Both men, joined by their wives Haley and Jenny, were welcomed into the full life and mission of La Grave. By answering the liturgical questions, they affirmed their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, their trust in the Word of God, and their commitment to the work of the Lord within the church community. The congregation in turn promised to support them through prayer and encouragement.
3. Sermon: The Call and the Storm
Pastor Peter delivered a sermon based on Matthew 14, focusing on Peter’s attempt to walk on water. He challenged the common perception that Peter "failed" by sinking, noting that Peter was the only disciple brave enough to leave the boat. The sermon outlined four core truths: everyone is called to step out by the Holy Spirit; internal voices of "safety" often discourage us; stepping out is usually found in small, daily acts of inclusion or sacrifice; and we need not fear because Jesus has already gone ahead into the storm.
The Four Pillars of "Stepping Out"
Universal Call: No matter your age or ability, the Spirit pushes you to move.
The "Boat" Voice: Recognizing the inner urge to choose comfort over risk.
Daily Bravery: It’s often about small acts, like inviting a lonely peer.
Divine Presence: Jesus is ahead, behind, and all around us in the storm.
4. Community Prayer and Global Mission
The service concluded with a comprehensive prayer for the community. This included gratitude for recent marriages and building project progress, as well as intercessions for members recovering from surgery, those serving in the military, and missionaries working abroad. The prayer emphasized resting in the "resurrection power" of Easter during the spring season.
Key Data
Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on water) and Deuteronomy 7:9 (God’s faithfulness).
GEMS Scope: Serving girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
New Members: Charlie & Haley Cornolia, Will & Jenny Sadler.
To-Do / Next Steps
Visit the multipurpose room after the service for GEMS-provided cookies and a slideshow of the year's activities.
Connect at the Welcome Desk in the narthex if you have questions about church happenings or membership.
Support GEMS by continuing to pray for the leaders and the girls as they navigate "waves of doubt and pressure."
Reflect on daily "Step Out" moments, such as choosing to answer a stressful phone call or including a difficult acquaintance in social plans.
Conclusion
The service at La Grave Avenue CRC provided a powerful reminder that faith is not a static state of safety, but a courageous movement toward Christ. Whether through the eyes of a GEMS student or a new member making a profession of faith, the message remains clear: because God is faithful to a thousand generations, we can step out of the boat with confidence.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 04-26-2026
Stepping Out
About The Service:
It's GEMS Sunday, the Sunday when our GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) help lead the service. Pastor Jonker will be preaching, and he will preach on the GEMS text, Deuteronomy 7:19 and their theme, “Walk on Water.“
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-4-26-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
Stepping Out: A Celebration of Faith and Growth
LaGrave Live: Stepping Out
A spiritual roadmap on trusting God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms.
1
GEMS Celebration
"Walk on Water" theme focusing on youth trust.
2
Public Profession
Commitment of faith by Charlie & Will.
3
The Call
Peter's choice to leave the boat in the storm.
4
Divine Assurance
Jesus is ahead, behind, and all around us.
Sermon Core: Matthew 14
"Stepping out is hard because there is nothing between you and the icy depths... but Jesus is already out there."
✔The Risk: Faith requires leaving the "safety" of the boat (comfort/stagnation).
✔The Scale: Stepping out is often small/daily (e.g., including a difficult classmate).
✔The Safety: Success isn't guaranteed, but being "okay" in Christ is.
1,000Generations of faithfulness (Deut 7:9)
Avoid Pitfalls
The voice of "Reasonable Safety"
Keywords
#GEMS #Faith #Resurrection #Community
Duration: ~87 mins | Speaker: Pastor Peter & Tina LaGrave Avenue CRC
Introduction
On April 26, 2026, La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church held a vibrant service centered on the theme of "Stepping Out." The congregation celebrated the GEMS girls' ministry, witnessed the public profession of faith of two new members, and explored the biblical call to trust God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms.
Detailed Points of Reflection
1. GEMS Sunday: Walking on Water
The service highlighted the GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) program, a youth ministry for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. This year’s theme, "Walk on Water," focused on stepping out to trust a faithful God. Hailey Cornolia and Annalee Vandenberg shared "ministry moments," describing a year filled with Bible stories, creative crafts, and community-building events like the Lake Michigan overnighter and a father-daughter Western line-dancing night. The program aims to create a space of belonging where girls learn to rely on Jesus to stay afloat through life's challenges.
GEMS 2025-2026: "Walk on Water"
🌊 Theme: Stepping out in faith and trusting God's covenant.
🎨 Activities: Bible character reenactments, craft coordination, and outdoor games.
✨ Highlights: Lake Michigan retreat, Orchard hayrides, and Father-Daughter dance.
"God is our refuge, our lighthouse, and our peace."
2. Public Profession of Faith
The congregation witnessed Charlie Cornolia and Will Sadler make their public profession of faith. Both men, joined by their wives Haley and Jenny, were welcomed into the full life and mission of La Grave. By answering the liturgical questions, they affirmed their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, their trust in the Word of God, and their commitment to the work of the Lord within the church community. The congregation in turn promised to support them through prayer and encouragement.
3. Sermon: The Call and the Storm
Pastor Peter delivered a sermon based on Matthew 14, focusing on Peter’s attempt to walk on water. He challenged the common perception that Peter "failed" by sinking, noting that Peter was the only disciple brave enough to leave the boat. The sermon outlined four core truths: everyone is called to step out by the Holy Spirit; internal voices of "safety" often discourage us; stepping out is usually found in small, daily acts of inclusion or sacrifice; and we need not fear because Jesus has already gone ahead into the storm.
The Four Pillars of "Stepping Out"
Universal Call: No matter your age or ability, the Spirit pushes you to move.
The "Boat" Voice: Recognizing the inner urge to choose comfort over risk.
Daily Bravery: It’s often about small acts, like inviting a lonely peer.
Divine Presence: Jesus is ahead, behind, and all around us in the storm.
4. Community Prayer and Global Mission
The service concluded with a comprehensive prayer for the community. This included gratitude for recent marriages and building project progress, as well as intercessions for members recovering from surgery, those serving in the military, and missionaries working abroad. The prayer emphasized resting in the "resurrection power" of Easter during the spring season.
Key Data
Primary Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walks on water) and Deuteronomy 7:9 (God’s faithfulness).
GEMS Scope: Serving girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
New Members: Charlie & Haley Cornolia, Will & Jenny Sadler.
To-Do / Next Steps
Visit the multipurpose room after the service for GEMS-provided cookies and a slideshow of the year's activities.
Connect at the Welcome Desk in the narthex if you have questions about church happenings or membership.
Support GEMS by continuing to pray for the leaders and the girls as they navigate "waves of doubt and pressure."
Reflect on daily "Step Out" moments, such as choosing to answer a stressful phone call or including a difficult acquaintance in social plans.
Conclusion
The service at La Grave Avenue CRC provided a powerful reminder that faith is not a static state of safety, but a courageous movement toward Christ. Whether through the eyes of a GEMS student or a new member making a profession of faith, the message remains clear: because God is faithful to a thousand generations, we can step out of the boat with confidence.
