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About UsOur aim at Faith URC is to uplift and honor the Lord our God, who reigns over all Heaven and Earth. We strive to give Him the recognition and glory that He alone deserves! Our purpose is to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, out of genuine appreciation for the complete and unmerited salvation that He secured for us through His perfect life and death on Calvary. This is the deepest longing of our hearts.
At Faith URC, we firmly believe that the church of God is not limited to a physical structure or location. Rather, God's church comprises the people He has chosen, who exalt His holy name by living out their faith in every aspect of their lives, wherever they may be. This is God's church! |
Our Setting |
Faith URC is located in Olive Center, a small village in the center of Olive Township. The church is approximately 24 miles west of Grand Rapids and 6 miles east of Lake Michigan. Holland, Zeeland, Allendale, and West Olive are the nearest cities to the church. The village was established in the mid-1800s by mainly Dutch immigrants who were known for their strong work ethic, desire to improve their families' living conditions, and for spiritual and religious reasons.
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Our History |
Faith URC, formerly known as Faith Independent Reformed, held its first service on May 1, 1994. For the first three years, the congregation worshipped in the Borculo Christian School gym. Most of the members at the first service came from a local CRC church, and the service was led by Rev. Sy Voortman. After an organizational meeting, Rev. Wybren Oord was called and became the first pastor, serving from 1994 to 2002.
In 1995, a couple from the congregation kindly donated 5 acres of land, which later became the site for the church building. The church was built in 1997. The second pastor of Faith URC was Rev. Ed Marcusse, who served faithfully until May 2013. In January 2016, Rev. Matthew Nuiver began serving the congregation. Unfortunately, on May 11, 2016, the church building, except the fellowship hall, was destroyed in a fire. Despite the devastating loss, the congregation stood firm in their faith and trust in God and rebuilt. On February 11, 2018, 21 months after the fire, the congregation held their first worship service in the new sanctuary. Faith URC is grateful to have been blessed by God and to have had faithful pastors who preached God’s Word to the congregation twice each Lord’s Day. |
