Ready To Go (An Introduction of Krista Noyes)
Bob Verburg
“One of the biggest fears many of us have is the fear of the unknown. We don’t like it when we don’t know exactly what is going to happen next.” That’s a quote from Pastor Ron Kool’s message, Getting Ready to Go from July 25, 2021.
This sums up the COVID disruption to our lives, church and relationships. I’ve attended Hillside since 1971. Back in those days, Hillside (then Cutlerville Hills) was very small and so there was a real sense of community. And over the years, that core sense of community has continued to thrive.
As we are immersing from two years of not knowing the future and what’s going to happen next, God is bringing new and exciting talent to Hillside. One of these people is Krista Noyes. She’s our new Director of Children’s Ministries. Krista and her family are from Caledonia. Her husband is Tim and he is a CPA. Krista and Tim have 3 adult children in their 20’s.
Tim has owned his own business for 12 years - Caledonia Tax & Accounting. He’s been married to his fabulous wife for 26 years! :) Noah is 23 and has been married to Erin for one and a half years. He is attending GVSU for business. His hobbies are working out and gaming. Erin is at GRCC in the radiology program. Kassidy is 22 years old working in a salon as a hair and makeup artist. Her hobbies are crafts, singing, and playing piano. Isaac is 20 years old studying pre dental at GVSU. He keeps us laughing with his quiet, unexpected jokes.
Krista enjoys spending time with family, the beach, quilting, walking, biking, baking, and shopping. And she loves her new coworkers at Hillside! She says, “I never imagined I would be in kids ministry but here I am 15 years later going strong with God’s guidance.”
Krista was hired by Hillside last November. Previously, she was director of Children’s Ministries at Gaines Church on 92nd St in Caledonia. Starting a new job just as COVID-omicron was surging again took courage and faith in God. But a previous visit to Hillside captured something in her heart. Krista has a degree in elementary education and if you’ve met her, you know she’s very outgoing and friendly.
Krista is very excited about our upcoming Vacation Bible School beginning this June 20. And as she needs volunteers, this will be the perfect opportunity for our congregation to come out of 2 years of the unknown and fear what to do next.
Our VBS will have different “camps” where the kids learn new skills such as sign language, sewing, soccer, basketball, woodworking, photography, art, drama, and other interests. But to pull this off, she needs volunteers. The VBS will be four evenings from 6 to 8 pm.
Imagine yourself socializing with friends on a warm summer night, with green grass and the sound of birds, crickets, and nature all around. Take a deep breath in and smell the new life around you beginning to bud and push to the sky. Plus, the week of VBS will be the longest days of the year as the summer solstice is June 21! Can you imagine 14 hours of sunlight? A warm sun bathing your world in a celebration of God’s promise of a renewal of life? Where better to enjoy God’s creation than at church, serving His church?
Hillside’s children have always been the core of what brings community bonding to Hillside. Krista wants to leverage that, “By getting families back to church by the way of the church.” And VBS will be an exciting opportunity for volunteers to renew acquaintances and friendships. Hillside is committed to caring for kids and partnering with families to raise kids for Christ. Your service and help at VBS will help with this commitment. Your service will also help reunite our larger church family by way of Hillside Church.
Krista wants to help children look to the warmth of God’s love and push their spiritual development to the beauty of God’s life-giving smile. Consider calling Krista at the church office and letting her know you will be available to volunteer.