When Jason, an attorney/partner at Blakeslee Rop, and Shannon, a former French and history teacher who now home-schools their children, moved to the area almost three years ago, they knew they wanted a traditional Christian Reformed church for themselves and their five children.  According to Shannon, "When we visited, everyone was really friendly."  In addition to the many activities for both adults and children, including GEMS and Cadets, adult choir and WOW, the family also enjoys congregational fellowship events such as Game Nights and the annual Chili Cook-Off.  When asked what they liked about Blythefield, Tristan said he "liked the church service, where we sing and stuff."  Olivia and Anya like Sunday School, and Isaac likes "our awesome pastor."  And from Maiah, "I like the people."

As a newly-engaged couple Joel (owner of Elenbaas Contruction) and Katie (a dental assistant) were looking for a Christian church that they could call home.  Katie recalls of their first contact with Pastor Witvliet, "He invited us in with open arms."  After months of pre-marital meetings and preparation, Joel and Katie were married at Blythefield CRC and became members in 2008.  As a young mom to Leia, Katie especially enjoys the fellowship at the WOW ("Women of Worth") book club/bible study held on Wednesday evenings and attended by many young moms.  "We really appreciate the kindness and closeness of our church family," says Katie.

After experiencing the closing of Comstock Park CRC in 2007, Jack and Sandy "took our time" to decide whether to affiliate with Blythefield CRC, which served as the custodian of their membership for that first year of searching.  Ultimately, Jack (a retired riverboat captain and insurance agent) and Sandy (a retired registered nurse) chose Blythefield because of its diverse membership and good mix of age groups.  Additionally, they enjoy the style of the worship service and most importantly, the faithful preaching of God's word.  Jack shares about Blythefield, "We like the joyful, friendly people." 

Having grown up at Blythefield CRC, Susan went off to college to pursue studies in nursing and to "try out" a few other churches.  But after graduating from Trinity College and settling into her job as an RN at St. Mary's Hospital, Susan found herself back at Blythefield because, "I found it was where I felt the most comfortable and had the right mix of contemporary and traditional styles of worship."  Susan especially enjoys how everyone is friendly and treats her like she is part of their family.  She also likes the many opportunities to serve and use her gifts in the church.  "Blythefield is to me my extended family that I feel truly cares about me and what is going on in my life."

When Chuck, a maintenance supervisor and life-long member of Blythefield CRC, and his wife, Karen, a financial analyst, were discussing marriage over two decades ago, they both knew the importance of sharing the same faith tradition.  Karen shares, “It was especially important for me to have the type of fellowship and support I experienced from my own church family growing up.”   When the young family was asked to join a Small Care Group, they were excited about the opportunity to connect with other young families.  Through the years Matt, a recent graduate of Ferris State University, and Liz, a student at Michigan State University, have known the love and support of a church family.  “Blythefield has been that place where we’ve been encouraged to grow and experience God within the bonds of deep friendships,” says Karen.