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MORNING WORSHIP

MORNING WORSHIP

May 11, 2008                                                                                 9:15 AM

Prelude                                                            

All Who Are Thirsty

Welcome

Psalm 42

Call to Worship – Isaiah 55:1-2

*All Who Are Thirsty

*Fellowship Greeting

*As the Deer

*Prayer of Adoration

Luke 15:11-20a (p. 1624)

“There was a man who had two sons.”

Prayer of Confession

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

Ministry of Music                                                                Sanctuary Choir

Precious Name

Profession of Faith                                                               Morgan Baker

   Congregational response: We do.

Luke 15:20b-27 (p. 1624)

“…his father saw him and was filled with compassion…”

Come to the Table

Celebration of Holy Communion

   Just As I Am, without One Plea (#445)

   We Sing Alleluia

Luke 15:28-32 (p. 1624-1625)

“Look, all these years….”

Offertory sentences

Offertory – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (#77)

 [Please sign and pass the Friendship Pads to others in your pews.]

Selection of and Prayer for Elders and Deacons

The Lord’s Blessing

*Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (#77, vs. 1)

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*If you are able, please stand.

Ministry of the Word: Pastor Jim Daniels

Worship Leaders: Pastors Perry De Groot and Ned Suffern, elders from the      present and Greater Consistories and EXALT Worship Team

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     The focus this morning is coming to the table to be served by the Lord Himself.  There is room for all and there is plenty for all.  Today the Sanctuary Choir sings its final anthem until next fall.  Today Morgan Baker professes her faith before her congregation and her Lord.  Today we draw names for the new elders and deacons.  May God be glorified in the different expressions of worship we use today.

 

Following the service, elders are available for prayer.

If you have a praise, a need, or a question of a spiritual nature,

they invite you to meet with them in the Prayer Room.

 

Nursery facilities are located at the south end of the Education Unit, lower level.

The cry room is located by the north entrance to the sanctuary.

Music sheets on the black stands at each entrance

will be used in the upcoming worship hour.

 

BROADCAST

Radio – Sundays, 9:15 AM & 6:30 PM (KSOU – 93.9 FM)

Cable TV – Tuesdays & Fridays, 7:00 PM (Channel 3 or 12)

Web site address: www.frcoc.org

 

VERSE of the MONTH

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2

 

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES

     WELCOME TO FIRST CHURCH!   Without Him there is no WAY – no TRUTH – and no LIFE.  May you experience the joy of the Lord’s  presence in the power of the Holy Spirit during this hour as we worship Him together.

     The “Prayer Huddle” with Pastors and Elders meets 15 minutes before each worship service in the Fireside Room. Anyone is welcome to gather for this special time of prayer and intercession.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10:45 AM  Sunday School Hour.

·      Children: 3rd-6th (education unit, upper level); K-2nd (lower level east side); 3’s-5’s (education unit, lower level).

·      High School (Hall of the Prophets); 8th grade (Room 12); 7th grade (Room 14).

·      Adult Electives – Something Solid To Grow On!

o  Sunday School Guide

This class meets in the Consistory Room and is led by a team of teachers.

o  Men’s Class - Twelve Ordinary Men

You can grow in your understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, as you study how Jesus equipped twelve ordinary men to do extraordinary things through Him! – meeting in the Choir Room, led by Brad De Jong.

o  Women’s Class – The Power of a Praying Woman

You can grow in your prayer life, whether you are a single or married woman – and appreciate the DVD teaching of Stormie Omartian as you seek release of spiritual influence as you call out to God in prayer – meeting in the Southwest Lower Section, led by Peg Te Grotenhuis and Val Hoffman.

o  The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, led by Bloemendaals, Vellingas and Verschuures, in the Fireside room.

o  Missionary Speakers – Danny Escholl, son of missionary parents in India, has attended First Reformed Church while studying at Northwestern College, and his host family has been Dr. & Mrs. Nick & Cindy de Vries.  Danny and his mother will share in the sanctuary concerning mission work in India.

     If you need assistance in finding where your class meets or would like further information on these classes, please visit the Welcome Center.

 

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Rehearsals this week:

- HOSANNA, Thursday, May 22nd, 6:30 PM.

Ministry of Prayer Opportunities:

- NO Prayer Warriors on Wednesday, May 14th.

 

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Ruth:  Monday, May 12th, 7:15 PM.  Bible study #5 – A Mystery Revealed, Ephesians 3.  Leader:  Velma Boonstra, devotions:  Elaine Ter Beest, hostesses:  Elaine Ter Beest and Ella Mae Van Klompenburg.

 

 

 

EVENING WORSHIP

6:30 PM

Prelude

Welcome

Am I a Soldier of the Cross? (#668)                                           Tune: #78

When Love Is Found  (#392)                                                    Tune: #222

*I Would Be True

*Opening Prayer

*Fellowship Greeting

Ministry of Music                                                                                      

Congregational Prayer

*A Christian Home

Mark 10:1-16 (p. 1570)

A BETTER WAY: A FAITH-FILLED, FOCUSED WAY

Prayer of Blessing

Rise Up, O Saints of God! (#670)

*The Lord’s Blessing

*Response – Grace, Love and Fellowship

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Ministry of the Word: Pastor Ned Suffern

Worship Leader: Pastor Jim Daniels

Worship Accompanist: Duane Beeson

        Pastor Ned resumes the trek through Mark’s Gospel.  Jesus offers to us a better way in every area of life.

 

SERVING US TODAY

GREETERS:  8:55 AM – Brian & Denise Mulder-N, Scott & Jill Mulder-NW, Gerry & Wanda Noordhoek-S, Herm & Grace Oldenkamp-SW; 6:15 PM – Ken & Mary Oldenkamp-N, Cliff & Arlys Oolman-NW, Harlan & Twila Oolman-S, Larry & Carol Oolman-SW

      USHERS (AM):  Morgan Baker, Jack Bonnecroy, Kimberly De Jong, Dan Locker, David Oolman, Juliana Pennings, Adam Reinders, Raquel Rowenhorst, Matt Schroeder, Karina Smit, Taylor Van Wechel, Aaron Wielenga and Tyler Zeutenhorst

      NURSERY CARE ATTENDANTS:  8:50 AM – Jana De Jong and Rhonda De Haan-Baby, Emily De Jong, Jill Mulder, Stephanie Schwebach, Bradley Schouten and Kolbie De Jong-Toddler; 10:35 AM – Larry/Phyllis Van Gelder; 6:15 PM – Harlan/Linda Ver Steeg-Baby/Toddler

 

      FIRST CHURCH NEWS & NOTES

     “A friend is a present you give yourself.”  Strengthen your friendships by sharing your love through the use of an Encouragement Card.

     The office will be closed Thursday and Friday afternoons, May 15th and 16th, beginning at 12 noon, for the Tulip Festival.

Today the complete Tulip Festival Food Stand work roster and pie donation list will be posted on the table near the west window so that anyone wanting to double check when they signed up to work or donate pies may do so.  The food stand telephone number is 737-8528.  Join us for our wonderful Dutch food and pies during the festival.  Please note:  Because we were unable to fill even half the work shifts for Saturday, 2:30-6 PM, we will be closing the food stand at 2:30 PM on Saturday to start the clean up and take down.  We want to thank many of you who are working, donating pies, contributing money, making and baking saucijsjes and responding to our requests.  We appreciate your cooperation very much.

Join the Tulip Festival Community Service, Sunday, May 18th, 11 AM, Windmill Park (corner of Central Avenue and 2nd Street NE).  Don’t forget a lawn chair and/or blanket, but be aware that the service is on the street.  Bleacher seating is available, but limited.  Come early for coffee/fellowship, 10:30 AM, Windmill Park Information Center. The event will move to First Reformed Church if it rains.  Be sure to listen to KSOU (93.9), KDCR (88.5) or KIWA (105.3).

Mark your calendar for the All-church picnic, Sunday, June 22nd, after the AM service.  Come for good old-fashioned food, games and entertainment.  Please watch for future announcements.

Peacemaking Principles: Responding to Conflict Biblically brochures are available at the Welcome Center.

THANK YOU to all members who offered GIFTS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS throughout the past school year.  Almost 200 gifts were taken from the gift board, giving those students the opportunity to experience our hospitality and generosity.  We, in turn, got acquainted with some of the quality young people who are studying at Northwestern who chose to worship with us from time to time or on a regular basis.

 

NEXT SUNDAY ~ Ministers for the Day:

     AM:  Tulip Festival Community Service

PM:  Pastor Perry De Groot

 

CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS

First Church Prayer Line - #737-8500

 

WITH OUR HOSPITALIZED…

Orange City Area Health System:  Ruth De Vries and Hermina Muilenburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY…

     As a congregation we express our sincere sympathy to the family and relatives of Joe Kleinhesselink, who passed from time into eternity Sunday, May 4th.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.  – Revelation 21:4

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE

     Last week’s offering:  $ 16,033.00

Weekly budget need:  $ 17,318.00

     Offerings year-to-date:  $ 940,781.00

Year-to-date Budget:  $ 897,204.00

 

     Sunday School: 

         Last week’s offering:  $ 137.00

         Offerings year-to-date:  $ 3,331.00

 

         The Sunday School offerings have met the goal of $1000 for Orange City Christian School.  The next goal is $1000 for Hope Haven.

 

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

      O.C. Noon-Time Prayer Meeting, Tuesday, May 13th, 12 noon, ATLAS meeting room.

      THE ORPHAN CRISIS: A presentation on creative ways you and your church can respond to the orphan crisis around the world will be presented by Pastor Johnny Carr, National Director of Church Partnerships of Bethany Christian Services, Monday, May 19th, 7 PM, Trinity Reformed Church.  A time of discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation.

      Memorial Day Summer Kick-off and Fundraiser, Monday, May 26th, beginning at 1:30 PM, Inspiration Hills.  (See the May FOCUS for more details.)

      ATLAS of Orange City has new T-shirts available!  They can be purchased at Dove or ATLAS for $10, (men’s and women’s sizes available).

      Parents and teens:  Today’s culture is bombarding teens with mixed messages regarding sex, alcohol and drugs.  As teens face many life-changing decisions, having supportive adult relationships is vital.  Parents and other adults have a huge influence on the decisions teens make!  Mentors can provide support and encouragement to teens.  In order to start the process of connecting your child with a mentor, please contact, Barb Trowbridge, Mentor Coordinator, Bethany Christian Services, 737-4831.

 

 

 

 

MOC-FV HIGH SCHOOL news…

      A car wash fundraiser will be held, Wednesday, May 21st, 4:30 PM-8:30 PM, Dutch Mart.  Free-will donations will be received to support a group of MOC-FV HS student athletes going on a mission trip to Rehoboth, New Mexico June 5th-11th.  If you are not able to make it to the car wash, but would still like to make a donation, please contact Patti Van Skike, (712) 567-3187 or pvskike@mtcnet.net.

UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL news…

      Remember UCHS’ Mother/Daughter Banquet, Monday, May 12th, 7 PM.  A free-will offering will be taken.

      UCHS will present their final concert of the 2007-2008 school year, Tuesday, May 13th, 7 PM, B.J. Haan Auditorium, Dordt College.  All the school’s music groups will perform.  A free-will offering will be taken for the music department.

 

 

 

 

 

Beatitudes for Mother’s Day

 

Blessed is the mother who understands her children, for she shall inherit a            kingdom of memories.

Blessed is the mother who knows how to comfort for she shall possess her           children’s devotion.

Blessed is the mother who guides by the path of righteousness, for she shall          be proud of her offspring.

Blessed is the mother who is never shocked, for she shall receive             confidences.

Blessed is the mother who teaches respect, for she shall be respected.

Blessed is the mother who emphasizes the good and minimizes the bad, for           in like manner her children themselves make evaluations.

Blessed is the mother who treats her children as she would be treated, for            her home shall be filled with happiness.

Blessed is the mother who has character strong enough to withstand the   inconsiderate remarks and resentments of the growing child for again, in          due time, she shall be honored.

- Leonora Zearfofs

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHURCH STAFF

Mrs. Aletha Beeson, Director of Sunday Children’s Ministries

Chris & Sherry Lang, Directors of Mid-week Children’s Ministries

Mr. Galen Kleinwolterink, Custodian

Mrs. Brenda Walhof, Church Accountant

Mrs. Missy Dokter, Administrative Assistant

Rev. Jim Daniels, Equipping Pastor

Rev. Edward W. B. Suffern, Preaching & Teaching Pastor

Rev. Dr. Perry De Groot, Shepherding Pastor

Mr. Tom Hydeen, Director of Worship & Prayer

Mr. Kendall Stanislav, Director of Youth Ministries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSISTORY

Elders

Deacons

Duane Beeson

2008

Troy Arends

2008

Mark Bloemendaal

2008

Dan De Jong

2008

Gene Haverdink

2008

Marty Guthmiller

2008

Audley Van Peursem

2008

Orv Otten

2008

Dave Bomgaars

2009

Rick Achterhof

2009

Les Douma

2009

Daron De Jong

2009

Paul Kurtzleben

2009

Brian De Kock

2009

Scott Starkweather

2009

Chad Oolman

2009

Daryl Beltman

2010

Teresa Gunderson

2010

Russ Herman

2010

Doug Te Grotenhuis

2010

Gerry Korver

2010

Leroy Van Kekerix

2010

 

 

Kevin Verschuure

2010

First Reformed Church

 

 

Mission Statement:  Our purpose is to give glory to God, to know Christ and to make Him known.

 

Values Statements:  First Church wants to be a church…