This week’s lessons: Ephesians 5:21-6:4, Mark 10:2-16
Hi all!
What does family life look like in America around the year 2021?
The US population is about 330 million (Decennial Census by Decades). For some perspective, that is more than double the 1950 US population. There are about 265 million people over the age of 15, the other 65 million are children.
There are about 120 million households or family units. The average household size is about 2.6 people. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States
About 135 million or 2 in every 5 people (I.e. just under 1 out of every 2 people) are married. (see charts linked here National Spouses Day: January 26, 2021 (census.gov))
About 3 out of every 5 households are married, 2 out of every 5 are unmarried.
About 87 million people over the age of 15 have never been married. So if another person isn’t married, the odds are almost 50/50 that they have never been married. Record Share of Americans Have Never Married | Pew Research Center
If the person is married, they are almost certainly at least 30 (Number, Timing and Duration of Marriages and Divorces (census.gov))
Another 41 million people over the age of 15 are either widowed or divorced.
As a pastor, I keep these things in the back of my mind when I'm around town, meeting people, creating studies, and preparing messages. This is the American family. 2 in 5 Americans are married, more than 2 in 5 Americas (including children) have never been married, and fewer than 1 in 5 Americans have been but currently are not married.
What does the gospel say to all these households and individuals? We believe that Jesus died and rose for individuals and for families. This is the good news we’re going to hear this weekend. Can’t wait to hear it with you!
God bless you until then!
Pastor Timmermann
Check in with all of our fall ministry!
We want to listen to the questions and concerns our friends and family have about the gospel of Jesus. Explore Christianity is an opportunity to discuss those questions.
This class is reserved for those curious about the claims of Jesus. Christians are encouraged to bring those who might be curious or skeptical. Begin praying for and inviting your family and friends to attend.
The next session starts on September 16th at 6:30 pm. More info and sign up by clicking below.
Labor Day weekend is a day to lift up our workers, celebrate our contributions, and support our struggles. It is also a day to commit to improving ourselves, appreciating others, and thanking each other for a job well done. Let’s enjoy our Labor Day weekend together!
Team and Task Time!
Join us for Team and Task Time Tuesday, September 7th @ 6 pm
Bring your ideas, helping hands, and cheerful heart
September Youth Crew
We’re heading to Allegan Events to kick off the year!
Middle and high school students join us for indoor zip-lining, a ropes course, and a climbing wall!
September 26th 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $20 per person
Ramp It Up!
As we mentioned last week, we’re glad to announce our new “Ramp It Up” initiative. We will now be able to install ramps for in-need individuals from our community!
This insured work allows people who need assistance to get into and out of their homes and have no other affordable options to get the help they need.
This last weekend, we ministered to a gentleman who recently lost his wife while we took down the ramp.
The crew will meet Tuesday night September 7th during Team and Task Time (dinner at 6, work at 6:30). If you want to help out, join us!
Please direct questions to Jon Ott, the coordinator.
2021 Fall Ministry Schedule
Class for children will begin again on September 12th!
None at time of print
(full prayer list)
Christian Neighbor’s item for September is mac and cheese and boxed potatoes.
Check out who is serving and volunteer for tasks Volunteer calendar & sign up (you’ll need to log in to our church management software)
Our ministry to children could use a used computer. Please let pastor know.
Pastor could use some help running cables for the piano and some other recent installs. If you would be able to help some time please let him know!
Upcoming events (full calendar)
September 7th, 6 pm Team and Task Time
September 9th, 1 pm Women’s Fall Welcome
September 10th, 12 pm Senior Luncheon
September 12th, 5:00 pm Ministry Meals 2021
September 12th BRING! Fall start!
8:00 am Study
9:00 and 10:30 Services
During 9:00 am service - children’s education
September 16th, 6:30 pm Choir starts
September 17th, 6:30 pm Bunco
September Ushers: Marc Nelson and Andy Winter
I’m studying and you could try
All our sermons Messages — Peace (peaceotsego.org)
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