Unity Christian High School5900 48th AvenueHudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.669.1820Fax: 616.669.5760Website: www.unitychristian.org

Development Office4542 48th AvenueHudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.662.4011Email: development@unitychristian.org

1 Growing God's Kingdom

2 Student Life Freshman Mixer Taste n' U'll C Tailgater Victory Day Parent Open House UC to Present Fall Musical

4 Heart to Heart A Father's Lament... A Senior's Cry And God's Unending Grace!

7 News & Notes UC Grad Takes 1st Place in National Competition Grandparents Day 2018 Annual Fall UC Education Foundation Meeting

8 Development News UNITY PACE DRIVE 2018/2019

9 Alumni News Marriages & Births Alumni in the Military Class Reunions in 2018-2019 In Remembrance Giving Tuesday

12 Revive News Payday Christmas Spectacular

OCTOBER 2018 TIDINGSUNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

FAITH, EXCELLENCE, SERVICE

Your gift to PACE will ensure that every student who comes to Unity receives an education that is Christ-centered, Bible-based, academically-excellent, and

focuses on serving God and others. (See Page 8 for more information.)

Growing God’s KingdomAnother school year is underway at Unity Christian, one already filled with God’s blessings! We praise God for Christian school parents and community members who commit their support for a school where students can grow in their knowledge and find Jesus Christ, and for a staff who seek to see young people grow in all areas of their life as Christ followers.

Unity is blessed to have an enrollment of 615 students in grades 9th-12th for the 2018/19 school year (up from 602 last year). The Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools (EOCS) of Allendale, Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison and Lamont make up a large percentage of our students. However, through God’s blessings our community is growing. This year Unity’s increased student population has come from schools not within the EOCS population. In fact, 26 new students have enrolled at our school which has allowed Unity to extend its reach. Families are choosing Unity as they hear from others in our community that Unity is a place where faith, excellence,

and service are not just words. Instead, they describe the intentionality of being excellent in all areas, growing our students’ faith, and helping each student recognize their role in serving in God’s kingdom.

Students who are new to Unity receive a warm welcome from the rest of our student population. They are sought out and welcomed into the community. While established friendships come over time, the gift of showing hospitality is quickly seen among our students. We pray that this hospitality turns into genuine friendships where students can grow in their interpersonal relationships with each other. A parent who is new to Unity this year recently commented, “We can’t believe how every person that we and our son have

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PACE 2018/2019 PARTNERS in ADVANCING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Kickoff: The Week of October 15, 2018

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Student Life

Student Life KickoffThe following events started off the School Year for 2018/2019

One way that Unity integrates new students into the UC community is through

an afternoon of planned activities for freshmen…

A new year and a fun Tailgater Kick-off at the Hudsonville Football Field!

Freshman MixerAugust 24, 2018

Taste ‘n U’ll C TailgaterSeptember 7, 2018

3

UC parents gathered for fellowship and an intro to their Students’ School Year

Parent Open HouseSeptember 10, 2018UC Student Levi Walters, with his

buddy Noah Brinks.

UC Student Tianna VanderWilp, with her friend Amelia Meyers

UC Teacher Mitch Sytsma shares with parents what his students will be studying this year in his English II classes.

On November 29, 30, and December 1, the students of Unity Christian will present the musical, Newsies as their Fall play. Rehearsals are underway for the cast, orchestra and crews.

Newsies is a historical musical that takes place in 1899 in New York City. At this time in history children had to work so they had food, women were viewed as property, and the gap between the rich and the poor just kept growing. This musical tells the story of newspaper publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst and their decision to raise the distribution price of the newspapers that were sold by children. Known as “newsies,” these children decided to band together and strike against the biggest names in publishing. The powerful lyrics in this show will take the audience back in time and also remind us how blessed we are now. With over 150 kids involved in crews, pit, and cast it will be a fun show full of energized dances, commanding music, and funny lines for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it!

This year, tickets will be sold on line at www.unitychristian.org, "News and Events." General Tickets go on sale November 12.

UC to Present Fall Musical

Victory DaySeptember 8, 2018

UC Students gathered with friends for a fun day of Football!

UC Student Hayden Large, with his buddy Owen Wigger

4

Heart to Heart by Dan Landstra

A Father's Lament... “I’ll never be able to take those words back… What was I thinking?”

Deep regret and sadness accompanied the realization of words spoken in anger, fear and frustration. These words, spoken only once, weighed heavily on “Bill” (not his real name). Here’s his story…

I had pulled my truck into a parking space at a local business. It was a warm August evening. A gentle breeze dissipated the heat welling up from the black asphalt. I got out of my truck, closed the door and turned to see Bill, a father of former Unity students, exiting the business.

“Bill!” I shouted while waving a ‘hello’.

Bill looked up, waved back, and walked in my direction. We met at Bill’s car. He shook my hand with a strong grip and exclaimed, “Hey Dan! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you!”

“You’re right!” I responded. “The last time we talked your kids still roamed the halls at Unity!”

Bill chuckled and said, “Those years went by really fast!”

“So, tell me…” I asked. “How are your kids doing, Bill?”

Bill gave a detailed report of how each of his children were doing in adult life. Pride filled his voice as he described young adults bearing his last name who now lived on their own. Bill’s excitement allowed me time only to slip in an occasional “that’s great!” or “very cool”.

As Bill neared the end of his story, his voice quieted. He paused a moment, carefully considering what to say next. Bill then looked directly into my eyes and said, “You know, there were some very difficult days during those years as well.”

I placed my hand on Bill’s shoulder. “I do remember, Bill.” I replied, as I gently squeezed his shoulder and shook it slightly back and forth. “But, I also know you made it through those times.”

After a few moments, Bill lifted his head, then turned his body to lean

back against his car. As he crossed his arms over his chest, he said, “You’re right, Dan. But, have YOU ever wished YOU could re-live one moment as a parent to change what you did?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

As Bill stood there, I could see he was fighting off the emotion so desperately trying to escape his body. He lowered his head, took in deep breaths then slowly exhaled each one, fixing his gaze directly at the asphalt under his feet. Silence filled the space between Bill and me.

The smile with which Bill greeted me had now disappeared. He pointed his index finger at me wagging it to emphasize his point. “Dan, sometimes I look back and think, ‘What was I doing?’

“I thought I had all the answers. I wanted my kids to think like me, behave like me, and believe like me at a time when they were still learning who they were. In my self-

“I thought I had all the answers. I wanted my kids to think like me, behave like me, and

believe like me at a time when they were still

learning who they were.”

A Father’s Lament… A Senior’s Cry… And God’s Unending Grace!

5

righteousness I forgot that I was young once too and would have resented what I was expecting from my kids.”

Bill collected his thoughts, then continued. “One night stands out in my mind. Our oldest son did something I had a big problem with at the time. I didn’t handle it well. And in the heat of the moment I actually questioned his character and his faith.”

Bill swallowed hard, working to keep emotions in check. “The look on his face said it all… I had really hurt him. And it was at that very moment it hit me.”

Bill shook his head and raised both hands above his head. “I was majoring in the minors! I was focusing so much on my kids doing the right things and following my rules I had neglected to help them discover the bigger picture of God’s grace through forgiveness and His amazing story for them.”

Bill put his hands down, paused a moment and added, “Thankfully, by His grace He also uses imperfect parenting to achieve his will.”

Bill turned to open his door. “I wish I had realized that sooner. I’ll never forget the look on my son’s face that night… I’ll never be able to take those words back... What was I thinking?”

A Senior’s Cry... Two week later.

On August 20, the 2018/2019 school year started at Unity. On that beautiful, sun-lit morning, six hundred and fifteen students entered through Unity’s glistening glass doors, ready to begin another year of the journey through high school.

The bell rang, sending students to

their first hour class. I stood in the hallway near my classroom, welcoming students back to school. “Jessica” (not her real name) walked slowly down the hallway. As she approached, it became obvious something was wrong.

“Hi, Mr. Landstra. Can we talk for a few minutes?”

The expression on Jessica’s face spoke volumes. Her eyes were red and filled with tears she attempted in vain to wipe away. Her smile, normally wide and bright, was gone.

I walked into the classroom and invited Jessica to follow. “Definitely… let’s talk, Jessica.”

Jessica entered, dropped her backpack and sat down with a heavy sigh.

I spoke first. “It looks like your senior year is starting off a little rough.”

Jessica chuckled, wiping away a few last tears. “Uuuhh...! Girls, Mr. Landstra… So emotional!”

Smiling, I replied, “Believe me Jessica, boys are too. Maybe just in different ways… So,” I continued, “what’s on your mind?”

Jessica leaned back in her chair and said, “Well, I might as well tell you.”

She paused for a moment, gathered her thoughts and continued. “I did something stupid a couple days ago and I have been really stressing out about it since. And honestly, since it happened I feel less stressed about what I did wrong and more stressed about what people will think of me if they find out.”

Encouraging her to unpack her story, I said, “Help me understand what you mean, Jessica.”

She continued. “Many of the people I grew up with have a perception of me based on a stereotype of a 'good Christian kid'." (Jessica made air quotes with her hands as she spoke those words.)

I interrupted, “Does that perception make you uncomfortable?”

Jessica put her hands out toward me, pleading for understanding. “Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Landstra. I love Jesus and I have committed to following Him. But it seems when I decided to, I made my faith more public by participating in chapel, going to youth group, and making profession of faith. The pressure to live up to expectations has become overwhelming. Some of my peers act towards me as if I have everything figured out. Believe me, I don’t!

“I’m not perfect,” Jessica continued. Pointing both hands back to herself, then added, “After all, I’m only 17!”

“This has really been weighing on you, hasn’t it?” I replied. Jessica nodded.

“What made coming to school this morning so difficult?” I asked.

Jessica responded, “The day after I made a bad choice I confessed what happened to a friend. I just wanted

(continued on next page)

“I made my faith more public by participating

in chapel, going to youth group, and making

profession of faith. The pressure to live up to

expectations has become overwhelming. Some of my peers act towards me as if I have everything figured out. Believe me, I don’t!”

6

Heart to Heart continued

someone I could talk to about my mistake. My hope was she would just listen and be supportive, but it didn’t happen that way.”

Tears formed again in Jessica’s eyes. She took a deep breath to gather her emotions. “As I told her what happened, she got this look of anger in her eyes. She didn’t let me finish the story. She cut me off and said ‘That’s pretty hypocritical. I thought you were a Christian!’”

Jessica looked down at the floor, then said quietly, “That really hurt! And for the first time I questioned if I actually was a Christian.”

Jessica lifted up her head, looked at me and said, “I came to Unity this morning excited for the first day of senior year. I got out of my car, walked toward the entrance, looked up and saw the writing above the doors—Unity Christian High School. All the uncertainty and doubt swirling in my head came rushing back as I read the word ‘Christian’. And I wondered if I belonged here.”

Jessica’s last statement startled me. I thought: “How much pressure is she placing on herself that a mistake disqualifies her from God’s love?” So I asked, “Jessica, do you believe God forgives you when you sin?”

Jessica paused, nodded and said, “Yes.” Then she added, “And I asked for forgiveness—several times. You see, in my head I know I’m forgiven. In my heart I hope I’m forgiven but I don’t have the confidence to really believe it… So, I keep asking God to forgive me over and over.”

She paused, raised her eyebrows, then looked at me and with

hesitation asked, “Mr. Landstra… do you think I’m a Christian?”

I smiled at Jessica. “Jessica, I think the answer to that question needs to come more from you than me.”

Jessica quickly replied, “I knew you were going to say something like that!”

I put my hand out in a “slow down” motion. “Let me finish, Jessica.”

“Sorry Mr. Landstra… It’s been a tough morning!” A slight smile crossed her face, “And it’s barely eight o’clock!”

I smiled back at Jessica. “This is what I know about you Jessica, based on your own words, both written and verbal. You believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior. You believe He died on the cross and was resurrected. You believe His sacrifice covers your sin. You believe the Bible is Truth. You believe God works in your life through the Holy Spirit.”

I allowed the statements of belief to settle in for a moment, then continued. “Jessica, if someone described a person to you in this way and asked if you believed they were a Christian, what would you say?”

Jessica nodded. “I understand what you are saying, Mr. Landstra.” Then she said, “I just wish I didn’t have

so many doubts, especially when I screw up.”

“All Christians wrestle with that at times, Jessica. Feeling like we’re not good enough for God is a spiritual battle for Christians everywhere. Remember though; you didn’t do anything that made God love you, and you can’t do anything that will

make God stop loving you.”

I paused, then added, “It’s not about you, Jessica. It’s about God and His unending grace. Your life as a Christian will be more joyful if you can accept God’s grace and live in it, rather than working each day to earn it. And someday, Lord willing, your friend who called you a hypocrite

will understand that too.”

Jessica stood up, walked to the door, then turned and said, “It’s not about ME? I never thought of it that way… Have a good day, Mr. Landstra.”

I waved goodbye, and prayed: “Lord, bless us with the confidence to know and believe that nothing, anywhere or anytime, can separate us from Your love and grace.”

A Father’s lament… A Senior’s cry… and God's unending Grace!

From the front row… Dan Landstra

Unity Bible Teacher and (the new) Director for Spiritual Life and

Leadership

7

News & Notes

Mark your calendars and plan now to attend! Details will be published in the HOME BULLETIN and the church bulletins.

(Please Note: Next year, in 2019, UC will again be honoring our Veterans at a Veterans Day Celebration.)

Last June, we reported in the Tidings that UC 2018 Grad Nate Graveling was on his way to Louisville, Kentucky to compete at the SkillsUSA National Championship. His field of expertise is in diesel/heavy equipment maintenance. We are so pleased to share that Nate placed 1st in the competition! There were 40 students competing in Nate’s division from all over the United States.

“We are so proud of how Nate represented himself, Careerline Tech Center and Unity Christian High School!” said Nate’s mom Melissa. “He has grown into a mature young man whose future looks so promising!”

Beginning this fall, Nate is continuing his education in this field at the University of Northwestern Ohio, for his Associate Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology.

Congratulations, Nate!

~SAVE THE DATE~Grandparents Day 2018!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

UC Grad Nate Graveling UpdateUC GRAD NATE GRAVELING TAKES 1ST PLACE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

National SkillsUSA Champion (and UC Grad!) Nate Graveling pictured here with his Careerline Tech Instructor Mr. Kevin Wiersma

The Annual Fall UC Education Foundation Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 23, at 7:00 a.m.

at Unity Christian High School, in Room 121.Please call the School Office at 616.669.1820 if you plan to attend.

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Development News

PreParing Young Hearts & Minds for CHrist’s serviCe

From Generation to GenerationThis is UNITY CHRISTIAN

instilling tHe Word of god and tHe love of CHrist

This is the mandate that Unity has committed to achieve for 65 years. The work of faith-nurture involves cultivating a fertile ground where the seeds of a life-long commitment to Christ are planted.

UNITY PACE DRIVE 2018/2019 – PARTNERS in ADVANCING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

“Love the Lord your God with all your HEART, with all your SOUL, and with all your STRENGTH. These commandments that I give you are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.” Deuteronomy 6:4-7

The work of Cultivation consists of:v Preparing the soil/mind by loosening the dirt (ingrained world culture)

and removing the weeds (influences of our self-centered society)

v Fertilizing the soil/mind with proper nutrients (The Word of God); and

v Seeking to improve the ground (the hearts, minds and souls of our young people.)

Giving to PACE ensures that every student who comes to Unity receives an education that is Christ-centered, Bible-based, academically excellent, and focuses on serving God and others.

When people like YOU say “yes” to PACE, the students of Unity—your sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, nieces, and nephews—all benefit.

Beginning on October 15, our fundraising partner J. Milito and Associates, Inc. will be calling on you. Your gift to PACE helps to keep tuition affordable for ALL and provides tuition scholarships so that NO STUDENT will be prohibited by finances in receiving a Christ-centered education. And, we have seen how, because of your support, our graduates are prepared as leaders for Christ—at their jobs, in their churches, wherever they go and with whomever they meet—all thanks to YOU!

The 2018/2019 Fund Drive Kicks Off The Week of October 15!

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Alumni News

MarriagesAbby Deters (’12) married Ronald Nowicki, Jr. on March 24, 2018. The couple lives in Lake Ann, MI and Abby is in ministry with Grand Traverse Young Life. (See Alumni in Missions.)Caleb Ellens (’11) married Ali McKenzie on June 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. They will make their home in South Bend where Caleb is on staff at Young Life. (See Alumni in Missions.)James Kraai (’11) married Katherine VanHerk on January 6, 2018. They live in Austin, Texas.

BirthsZara Lou Billin was born to parents Drew (’11) and Chelsey (Sall ’11) Billin on July 2, 2018.Molly Louise Brouwer was born to parents Kirk (’07) and Emma Brouwer on June 5, 2018.Annabelle Busscher was born on November 27, 2017 to parents David (’07) and Courtney (VanderHulst ’07) Busscher, grandparents Bruce (’81) and Carrie (Haverdink ’82) Holstege, and great-grandparents Garold “Jerry” (’60) and Carolyn (Spoelma ’61) Haverdink.Aiden Lane Dobson was born to parents Michael and Jessica (Meijer ’06) Dobson on May 19, 2018.Eve McKay Foreman was born on

July 23, 2018 to parents Ashton (UC Teacher) and Keegan Foreman and welcomed by siblings Bennett (4) and Alice (2).Crew Benjamin Glass was born on May 31, 2018 to parents Kyle (’07) and Kelsey Glass and welcomed by big brother, Brecken (3).Reagan Mary Kloosterhouse was born on June 21, 2018 to parents Nicholas (‘08) and Jennifer (Batts ‘08) Kloosterhouse and welcomed by big sister Michael (2). Hendrik Mark Kuperus was born on June 6, 2018 to parents Cameron (’05) and Tara (Feenstra ’06) Kuperus and welcomed by siblings Sydney (3) and Miles (2).Remi Warren Lamer was born on June 20, 2018 to parents Eric and Cyndi (Padding ’09) Lamer and welcomed by big sister Paislie (1-1/2).August Ann Lutke was born on July 14, 2018 to parents Bill (’03 and UC Teacher) and Laura Lutke and welcomed by her big sisters Joey (5) and Raegan (3). Rosemary (Rosie) Leigh Sytsma was born to parents Mitch (’11 and NEW UC English Teacher) and Abby (Sjoerdsma ’11) Sytsma on July 29, 2018.Dutch Wyatt Walcott was born to parents Scott and Erin (VanHaitsma ’03) Walcott on August 13, 2018.Otto Jay Zuiderveen was born to

parents Cody (’09) and Jessica (Horjus ’09) Zuiderveen on June 22, 2018. The Zuiderveens are serving in Haiti. (See Alumni in Missions.)

Please submit any Alumni birth or marriage announcements to: development@unitychristian.org, or call 616.662.4011. (PLEASE NOTE: To celebrate our newest little ones, we have a FREE “UC Blue Crew” Onesie that parents/grandparents may pick up from the Development Office at 4542 48th Avenue, Hudsonville MI. Please call or email the Development Office and we’ll put one aside for you. Thank you!

“Blue Crew” member Oliver Cody (born June 6, 2018) models his Onesie!

Alumni in the MilitaryClass of 1987: Chad Geers; Jeff RozemaClass of 1994: Eric Alan BrewClass of 1996: Jeremy Molendyk Class of 1998: Allen Broene; Joon Kee Lee (Patrick Crans)Class of 1999: Derk Nyenhuis; Ron Thenn Class of 2000: Steve Bloem; Rick Martinus; Clayton PoortengaClass of 2001: Seth Allen; Darin Elgersma; Drew VerHageClass of 2002: Bryan FlietstraClass of 2003: Adam Bosma; Jeff Dekkinga; Katy Driesenga;

Justin Oosterbaan (Air Guard); Brian Tucker; Eric VanBeek

Class of 2004: Kody Fennema; Justin Hatchner Class of 2005: Brett Jackson; Chris Kitler; Andrew Niewiek;

Stephan ThennClass of 2006: Jay Baum; Joshua Lankheet; David Van

AbbemaClass of 2007: Aubrey Bosma (Navy Reserves); Brandon

Dragstra; Drew Grooters; Quynn Schaaphok; Rachel Scott; Bobby Sorensen; Lauren Zandstra

Class of 2008: Michael Dekker; Kyle Emelander; Brandon Zomerlei

Class of 2009: Corbin Durek; Kent Schaaphok; Tyler Stroven; Ryan VanVels

Class of 2010: Tyler WiersmaClass of 2011: Austin Dornbush; Jon Mohr; Chris PoolmanClass of 2013: Lucas Brower; Wyatt Johnson; Charlie

Vrieland Class of 2014: Jacob Herzog; Gavin Miedema; Joshua

TerKeurst; Nathan VandenBoschClass of 2015: Trevor Vedders

The names of the Alumni listed above have been submitted by their families for recognition of their service in the military. If you know of other Unity alumni currently serving in either of these capacities, we would like to recognize and honor them in the Tidings. Please send their information to development@unitychristian.org, or call the Development Office at 616.662.4011. Also, if you have updated information on any of the Alumni listed, please call or email the Development Office as soon as possible.

Please remember to keep all our young people listed below in your prayers—and their families as well:

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Alumni News continued

UPDATES:Mandy (Beute, Class of 1997) and husband Josh Shaarda live and serve with their children in Obule, Uganda. See their website http://shaarda.blogspot.com/ for information about their ministry and daily life.

Angie (Beute, Class of 1995) and her husband Tim Sliedrecht are serving with their children in Soroti, Uganda. See their website https://sliedrechts.wordpress.com/ for information about their ministry and daily life.

Luke Van Wienen (Class of 2017) is serving with YWAM in Lakeside, Montana.

Maria (Postema, Class of 1998) and husband Noah Ward (pictured with their two sons) are serving with OMF International in Thailand doing sports ministry and church planting.

We give thanks to God for these and all our Alumni listed below who serve in missions.

Please continue to remember in your prayers our alumni who have answered the Lord’s call to, “Go, and spread the Gospel!”:

Jeff and Melissa (DeJonge ’93) Bos – Bangladesh, South Asia; Kristen Bosch (’09) – Dominican Republic;

Patti (Steenwyk ’88) Brander – Mission India/Grandville MI; Kristin Bremer (’17) – Mexico (YWAM); Ray (’93) and Angie De Lange – Vancouver, BC, Canada; Abby (Deters ’12) and Ronald Nowicki, Jr. – Glen Arbor, Michigan (Grand Traverse Young Life); Barry Dykstra (’10) – Byron Center, Michigan (Youth for Christ, BCHS); Ryan Elders (’05) – Eastern Ottawa County, Michigan (Young Life Ministry); Caleb (’11) and Ali Ellens – Indianapolis, Indiana (Michiana Young Life); Kyle (’01) and Heather Glashower – Coral Springs, Florida (One Hope); Merissa Harkema (’09) – India (Sarah’s Covenant Homes); John (’74) and Ruth (VanZalen ’74) Hoekwater – Chicago, Illinois; Angela (Angie) Johnson (’11) – Managua, Nicaragua; Carrie Kennedy (’03) – Nicaragua (Young Life Ministry); Dana Krol (’10) – Zambia, Africa; Thomas (’99) and Tera Krol – Karen, Kenya; Edgar and Jamie (Ponstein ‘05) Martinez – Minneapolis, Minnesota (YWAM); Gary Miedema (’71) – Robertson, South Africa; Steve (’95) and April Palmbos – Malawi, Africa; Matthew (’07) and Rachel Schmitt – Bloomington, Minnesota; Mandy (Beute ’97) and Josh Shaarda – Obule, Uganda; Angie (Beute ’95) and Tim Sliedrecht – Soroti, Uganda; Scott (’81) and Mary Ann Stroven

– Orlando, Florida (Student Ministry of Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ); Brenda Vander Schuur (’78) – Guinea (Resonate Global Mission); John (’88) and Kazumi Van Farowe – Japan; Luke Van Wienen (’17) – Lakeside, Montana (YWAM); Maria (Postema ’98) and Noah Ward – Thailand (OMF International); Nathan (’87) and Brenda Yonker – Haiti; and Cody (’09) and Jessica (Horjus ’09) Zuiderveen – Haiti (Resonate Global Mission).

If you know of other UC Alumni serving in missions, please send their names and information about their ministries to development@unitychristian.org, or call 616.662.4011.

Alumni in Missions

The Class of 1968 celebrated their 50th Class Reunion on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Gleneagle Golf Club in Hudsonville. The event included golf, followed by a catered BBQ dinner and good fellowship. For more information on how the reunion went, contact Sally Cooper Hart (616.446.3090) or Barbara Aalbers Steinfort (281.813.6193).

SAVE THE DATE! The Class of 1975 is holding a 40th+ reunion on November 10, 2018 at the Amway Grand Plaza, Ambassador Ballroom East. A social hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. kicks off the event with a cash bar and appetizers, followed by a buffet dinner between

7-8 p.m. Cost is $65 per person. Please contact Lennie (Stroven ’75) Kawka at lenniekawka@gmail.com or Robin (Bouwkamp’75) Spicer at robindvc@charter.net to RSVP. A Facebook page has also been set up for reservations and information. See “Unity Christian Class of ’75 Reunion.”

SAVE THE DATE! The Class of 2008 is holding a 10-Year Class reunion on Friday, November 23 from 7:00pm-10:00pm at Long Road Distillers, 537 Leonard Street, NW, Grand Rapids MI. Check out UCHS 10 Year Reunion - Class of 2008 on Facebook. For any other information, contact Marie Prins (mariegabrielleprins@gmail.com.)

SAVE THE DATE! The Class of 1969 will celebrate their 50th Class Reunion on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Drenthe Community Grove

Dozeman Center in Zeeland, Michigan. This will be an informal, catered, picnic style setting from 4 pm to 10 pm. Cost is $25.00 per person. More information will be posted in the Tidings, on our Class Facebook Page, emails, or via postal mail. Requests for reservations will begin February 2019. Email: Markopubl@aol.com. Text or call Gloria Aukeman 616.450.4321, Jill Bloomer Meyer 616.677.1100 or Mary Wagner Vandenberg 616.914.7168. Is your class planning a reunion event in 2018 or 2019? Please contact the Development Office at development@unitychristian.org, or call 6l6.662.4011, to publish this information in the next issue of the Tidings. (Class Officers/Reunion Planners: Class lists are available from the Development Office by request.)

Class Reunions in 2018-2019

Maria (Postema ’98) and Noah Ward with their children … in Thailand. You can follow the Wards on Facebook at

facebook.com/groups/TheWardAdventures/.

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Growing God's Kingdom (continued from page 1)

Brian VandenBerg (Class of 2003) passed away on September 8, 2018 from injuries sustained in a car accident in Wisconsin. He was 33 years old. Brian will be lovingly remembered by his parents Tom and Deb VandenBerg; siblings Mike VandenBerg (’01), Eric (’05) and Jess VandenBerg, Kelly (’08) and Dan Arendsen, grandparents Tom and Joyce VandenBerg, and Bob and

Faith Niewenhuis, and his six nieces.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Zutphen Christian Reformed Church. (Information courtesy of MLive/Grand Rapids Obituaries, September 12, 2018.)

Please keep the VandenBerg Family in your prayers during this season of mourning.

Remembering Brian VandenBerg, Class of 2003

Hey, Alumni!! On November 27, 2018 – Giving Tuesday – we ask you to JOIN fellow UC Grads and GIVE BACK to PACE.

PACE is Unity’s Annual Fund Drive that provides financial support to keep tuition affordable for every student so that no student is prohibited from attending Unity by financial inability.

As prior “benefactors” of PACE funds, you have a wonderful opportunity to “GIVE BACK” by helping future UC students afford a Christian education at your Alma Mater.

It’s easy… Go to www.unitychristian.org and click on the DONATE button.

We pray that you will consider this giving opportunity to help your Alma Mater, and to benefit future Alumni who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Please… Make a gift to PACE on #GivingTuesday.

EDITOR’S NOTE:What is #GivingTuesday?Celebrated on the Tuesday following the Thanksgiving (U.S.) weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season. Since its inaugural year in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a global movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy.

GIVE BACK TO UNITY CHRISTIAN

ON “GIVING TUESDAY”!

come into contact with have been so welcoming, kind and considerate of our family. Our son absolutely loves school, talks to us about school, and is very excited to be at Unity.”

When new students start attending Unity this means new families also join the community. Parents treasure the relationships they build with their fellow high school parents. I ask all in our community to seek out new families, to welcome them to our school, and begin to develop relationships that can grow into deep friendships. Our new families need encouragement, support, a kind smile and a warm handshake.

You can help grow the Unity Christian community as well as expand God’s kingdom by being an advocate for Unity. Why do we see an increase of students from outside our area Christian K-8 schools? It is because you are telling others about Unity.

When meeting with new families I always ask them, “How did you find out about Unity?” The consistent answer I hear is that other parents have talked to them about Unity and urged them to check out our school. Thank you for promoting and encouraging Christian schools to others!

Unity Christian students showing kindness to new students and working at forming new friendships… Unity Christian parents showing hospitality to a new family by going out of their way to introduce themselves to someone new. Our community is expanding and reaching out to all, telling others about Christian education. God is growing His kingdom through Christian education, and I thank you for your efforts in helping to grow Unity Christian High School.

Pray with me that God will continue to bless Unity Christian, our staff, our students and our families throughout this school year!

Jerry DeGroot, Principal/CEO

UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL5900 48TH AVE. HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426

Revive News

www.facebook.com/ ReviveResaleStore

Phone: 616.662.3375

Email: revive@unitychristian.org; Website: www.ReviveResale.org;

3675 Baldwin Street, Hudsonville, MI 49426

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 5pm;

Tuesday, Thursday 10am – 7pm; Saturday 10am – 3pm

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reach 2,000 “likes”!

Fall is an exciting time at revive because it means Pay Day for our schools! Distributing the funds raised at revive to our Christian schools is such a joy for

revive staff and volunteers. This year revive is happy to report that it will be able to give $150 per student! With a total enrollment of 2,154 students in Allendale, Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison, Lamont, South Olive Christian Schools and Unity Christian High School, that means revive will disburse a total of $323,100 this year! Praise God! This makes for a Grand Total of $1,604,220 disbursed to our Christian schools since revive first began in 2010. Wow! We are humbled by the way God continues to bless this store and pray that we can be a blessing to our Christian school families and our community for many more years to come.

Mark your calendars! Revive’s Christmas Spectacular is coming up Thursday through Saturday, November 8-10. Get first choice on artificial Christmas trees, Holiday sweaters, Christmas floral arrangements, Christmas dishes, linens, and a huge variety of Holiday Décor!