The Newsletter, May 2015
Transcription
The Newsletter, May 2015
B-Dawg’s Buzz by Brenda Post, Secretary For several years, I was a volunteer in both the Jr. High and Sr. High youth groups. I “retired” from the weekly lessons but stayed involved in the fundraising aspect for both groups. At the end of February, I took on teaching the 6-8 grades for Wednesday Bible Class. I cannot tell you how much joy these kids gave me each week. Coming to work on Thursday mornings, I would comment to Pastor Luke about how uplifted I felt! My class size ranged from 25-32 kids each week! That’s a lot of kids and I was a bit nervous taking them all at one time. I prayed they wouldn’t be too much for one person to handle. Never fear, they kids were respectful and listened to what I was saying. I love this age group. Some things I thought you should know from this experience. These kids are asking questions. If you are the parent or grandparent you need to know that. I encourage you all to ask your kids what is on their mind. Some of the questions asked of me these last few weeks were insightful and meaningful. I am quick to point out, I do not have all the answers. The following are just some of the questions asked in class: “What does our Spirit look like?” “Do you really think hell is ‘fire’?” “How do I know that I am saved?’ (followed by, “I am scared to go to hell.”) “If there was no evil in the Garden of Eden, if it was perfect, how did the evil serpent get in there?” “Will we see our loved ones we when go to heaven?” “What will we do in heaven all day?” I know that I asked some of these same questions when I was their age. I believe it is normal to question aspects of our faith. And I also believe that the strongest believers can sometimes doubt. I know that when we question elements of our faith that the answer is in Scripture…somewhere. The plain and simple fact is, no one really knows what heaven will look like, what our Spirit looks like, and will we see our loved ones when we get to heaven. Romans 10:8-11 says; (8)But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: (9)If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (11)As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” I remember crying in my bed under the covers late at night wondering about my salvation too. I was raised in a Church that was a little stricter as well. The Pastor was still referred to as Reverend, and in my wildest dreams couldn’t imagine calling a Pastor a friend. (It’s weird for me still but, Pastor Luke is pretty easy to like) Here’s the difference for me and what I wanted your children to know. God and religion shouldn’t be a scary, fire and brimstone, ‘you’re going to hell’ presentation that I was raised with; but one of love. It’s plain and simple. God is the very essence of love and God loves me, the sinner, in spite of it all. I got to work with your great kids. They are asking questions and that is good. It is an opening for conversation. If you don’t know the answer you and your child can seek one out together. Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The Newsletter May 2015 First Reformed Church Glorify God in all we do, Grow with Him daily and Go with Him to share His love. Ryan’s Ramblings Director of Youth Ministry I’ve been finding myself watching a lot of the TV show The Office lately. It’s been a favorite of mine for years and while there’s now no more new episodes, I have brought the old episodes back into my weekly (ok…nightly) routine. In one episode I watched recently, Michael Scott (the boss), gets himself into a lot of debt. One of his employees informs him that he can declare bankruptcy and be free of his debt. Michael struggles with this option for a while but eventually walks out of his office and yells, “I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!” Afterward, his accountant goes to make sure he realizes that you can’t just declare bankruptcy, you have to actually go through the paperwork. In Matthew 16:16, Peter declares that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus commends Peter for getting the answer right. Of course, Peter didn’t have a spotless track record. Peter is the one who went to walk on the water but sank because of his lack of faith. Peter is the one who didn't want Jesus to wash his feet. Peter is the one who denied Jesus after he was arrested. Peter was quick to declare Jesus as Lord, but his actions didn’t always back up what he was saying. Just as Michael Scott can’t just “declare” bankruptcy, Peter (and you and I) have to do more than just “declare” that Jesus is Lord. We have to let Jesus be in charge of our lives. We are all fallen individuals. We mess up…a lot. We hurt others and we deny Jesus with our actions. That is part of being sinful. Peter walked with Jesus and talked to him, yet even he had trouble with these things. Declaring that Jesus is Lord is important in our living for Christ. Before we can surrender ourselves and commit to fully living for Christ, we need to take the first step. It all starts with the declaration. News From The Lampens As students at Western Theological Seminary, we thought that the next step God was preparing us for was to work in a church setting and that, someday in the distant future, we might have the opportunity to visit Eastern Europe again. Jeff had volunteered in Hungary with the RCA for a year, and Chelsea had studied abroad in Romania during her time at Northwestern College. But God has his own timing for things and presented us with this opportunity just as we were graduating! As RCA mission personnel, we will partner with New Horizons Foundation, an organization in Romania dedicated to encouraging young people to follow the Gospel by investing in their local communities. This is accomplished through adventure education camps and weekly youth groups, referred to as IMPACT clubs. We believe that the Holy Spirit works in communities to create wholistic change, and we are very excited to join that work in Romania. Together, we hope to discover the gifts that God has planted within the young people of Romania, as well as within us as a couple, so that the full richness of the Gospel might take deep root and produce something beautiful in the lives of the Romanian people. Chelsea will support this mission through her role as Supervisor of Community Development and Social Work Internships, while Jeff will develop faith-based curriculum as IMPACT Development Director, as well as ministering to the community and spiritual life of the staff. Many of you who are reading this probably received letters similar to the one above. If you would like to see a video of us explaining this, follow this link: http://vimeo.com/109236306. We wanted to catch those who had not up to speed, but all to tell you all what we have been doing since then. Over the past 5ish months we have traveled to northwest Iowa, South Dakota, New York state, Minnesota, Illinois, central Iowa, and all over Michigan. We have been extremely blessed by many who have taken us into their home, fed us, and blessed us with great company. Lorelei has played in MANY nurseries, watched numerous episodes of Sesame Street, and given many people all over the RCA hugs and blown kisses. We are currently about 60% of the way fund-raised. Before we are able to move to Lupeni, Romania, we need to raise 123% of our budget. This way, we are secure in insurance, daily support, travel, and other fun adult things like pension :). We are grateful to the RCA staff who continues to help us. Once we reached 50% in our support we began receiving a stipend from the RCA so that we are able to more fully engage in raising support. Within the month, Jeff will be ending his position at Out of the Box in Zeeland. We have been extremely blessed by Jeff and Hillary who understood when Jeff needed to leave to visit various churches. Where we are looking within the next couple weeks/months: Lord willing, on March 29th, I will be ordained in Sibley, Iowa! We are going to be staying out by my family for the following month to spend time with them. We are also looking forward to going to a week-long family counseling retreat later in the spring to better prepare us for moving overseas. 3) Property: Discussed the need for automated handicap doors for the Church. Prices/quotes will be sought for installation of doors at various locations in the church. 4) Education: No report. 5) Congregational Care: Henry Fisher shared concerns and ways we can help others in our church. 6) Bylaws: Tonight the third reading of the bylaws were read. MMSC to approve the changes in the bylaws with the exception of article 3 section 3 was turned down. 81. Education Job Update-Ongoing discussions 82. Treasurer’s Reports: We are on track budget wise for the year. Working on electronic banking possibilities. 83. Deacon’s Business: Discussed a new scholarship fund that has been funded to help students participate in various youth activities. Discussed parameters and use of this account. 84. Elder’s Business: Membership Updates 85. Other Business: a) Mr. Klaassen shared with the consistory the various possibilities and options available for insurance coverage for the church. There are multiple scenarios and policies available. Pastor Luke will be checking with other churches on their policies. Full consistory decided to not take any action at this time. 86. MMSC to Approval of Minutes 87. MMSC adjourn following prayer by Jamie Bruxvoort. Prayer in the Fireside Room If you or someone you know needs prayer, please stop by the Fireside Room immediately following the first service. Each week, two Elders will be available to pray with you or for you. We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ~Oswald Chambers CONSISTORY Minutes April 20, 2015 6:30 PM 69. 6:30pm-Devotions with full Consistory. Pastor Luke opened with prayer and then turned it over to Chris Godfredsen who talked about the Transformed and Transforming initiatives of the R.C.A. We then spent time discussing in small groups questions related to this and held a full consistory discussion. Evaluated our progress at FRC in meeting these goals. 7:30pm-Elder’s Meeting: 70. Membership Changes: MMSC to accept Tom and Ruth Dagel and Parker Dagel from United Methodist Church, Sibley, and Justin Van Tilberg from First Reformed in Doon and Jenna Ver Steeg from the Ebenezer Church from Leota, MN. 71. The Constitutional Question was asked, “Are there any members needing special care this month?” 72. Elders calls were shared. 73. MMSC to accept the minutes as read. 74. Baptisms: Mike and Chelsea Hulstein has requested Baptism for their daughter Addison on May, 10, 2015 at the Cornerstone Service. MMSC to approve this request. 75. MMSC to approve the following requests for church use: June 13- A shower request by Deb Hulstein to use the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen. 76. A schedule will be put together for prayer after church for those interested. 77. MMSC to accept the minutes as read. 78. MMSC to adjourn following prayer by Ken Loerts. 8:30pm-Consistory Meeting: 79. Director of Youth Ministries Report: Ryan Arentsen 80. Ministry Team Reports: 1) Outreach: Curt shared his report. 2) Worship: Discussed the excellent sermon series we have been having. Discussed ideas to improve our nursery ministry. Pastor Luke will check with Brenda on some of the questions we have been asking in regard to the nursery. Discussed the pros and cons of a new piano, or fixing it, maybe a high quality digital piano for the sanctuary would be best. Discussion was held on the pros and cons of getting a director of music and worship. Discussion on the importance of covering some of our recent expenses (ie. Roof fund) first before proceeding with other projects/ideas. We ask you to pray for both these things. I know this has been a LONG post, one with a lot of information, and not many great stories of all we have been doing. I wished to give you an overview and glimpse into the life of the Lampen family. More detailed posts will follow. I ask you to prayerfully consider following us and commit to praying for us while we continue to raise support and then move to Romania. We would ask you also to prayerfully consider partnering with us in our call to Romania. We count it a blessing to have the opportunity to carry your prayers and support to the work of the New Horizons Foundation and the people of Romania. One-time gifts would help us establish roots in Romania and begin our ministry (see www.rca.org/lampen for how to contribute a one-time gift). Any yearly recurring amount that you might give to this mission would be gratefully received and would help maintain us on the road that God has called us to walk. Blessings and love to you all!! Romania is a new field for the RCA. Jeff and Chelsea Lampen have been appointed to work with the New Horizons Foundation, an outreach to youth in Romania. Jeff and Chelsea graduated recently from Western Theological Seminary and will be pursuing ordination in their respective classes. The Lampens have a daughter, Lorelei, who will be accompanying them to Romania. Coffee With the Pastor Have you ever wanted to ask Pastor Luke something? Do you want to know him better? Do you want to get out of the house? First Reformed Church has the answer you have been searching for! Once of month, you will have a chance to socialize with Pastor Luke in the Fellowship Hall away from the noise of Sunday morning. This one hour of time each month is open to anyone who wants to come and spend time with our Pastor. May will be the kickoff month Come and join us for a morning to see what Coffee with the Pastor is all about! May 6 at 9 am will be the kickoff date! Hope to see YOU there! Nursery for May, 9:00 am May 3 10 17 24 31 Brenda Michelson and Linda Mehls Kayla Hoekstra and Chelsea Hulstein Mary Hustoft and Sandy Lamfers Jennifer and Kailey Bruxvoort Ashley Heronimus and Diane Langstraat Nursery for May 11:00 am May 3 10 17 24 31 Missy Julius and Kim Van Der Sloot Kathy Runia and Cathy Vande Hoef Lynn and Alex Mulder Wendy and Hunter De Jong Amy and Mariah Elser Greeters for May, 9 am May 3 West: John and Jan Juffer Middle: Matt and Missy Julius and family East: Dennis and Dar Jurgens 10 West: Karen Jurgens and Ethel Jurgens Middle: Matthew and Rachel Jurgens East: Kevin and Laurel Klaassen and family 17 West: Travis and Joanne Klaassen Middle: Dave and Donna Kleinwolterink East: Corky and Sherri Koerselman 24 West: Dr Greg and Deb Kosters Middle: Mitch and Abby Kreykes and family East: Charles and Katha Kruger 31 West: Pam Kruger and Jodene Kruse Middle: Robert and Betty Kruger East: Tim and Jodie Kruger and family Memorial Day Kick-Off Celebration at Inspiration Hills A fun filled day will be held on May 25, 2015 (afternoon and evening) You can also take advantage of the beautiful campgrounds and come the night before. Entertainment for the evening will be Lori Heemstra and family. There will also be the “Big Auction” and supper. This is your invitation to donate items for the auction! Suggestions are: gift certificates, hand crafted items (wood items, quilts/afghans, baked items) even tickets and sporting items. Items can be mailed to Inspiration Hills, 1232 280th St. Inwood, Iowa 51240 or brought to the camp by noon on Memorial Day. A schedule of Events follows: 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:30-6:30 pm 6:30 pm View Auction Items Auction with auctioneer Darrell Vande Vegte Supper will be served. Greetings, updates and introductions from Camp Staff. Evening Entertainment will be Lori Heemstra and her children from Primghar. Open Door Greeters for May 11 am May 3 West: Duane and Pam Vande Hoef Middle: Marlin and Kathy Runia West: Brian and Heidi Sayler 10 West: Larry and Rhonda Riebeling Middle: Jayson and Cathy Vande Hoef East: John and Lois Van Diepen 17 West: Larry and Melissa De Boer Middle: Joe and Nisa de Boom East: G. Doorenbos and L. Hulstein 24 West: Jon and Amy Elser Middle: Kevin & Twila Heemstra East: Dan & Annette Janssen 31 West: Mike and Laurie Kraayenbrink Middle: Dave and Sandy Lamfers East: Frank and Darcy Martinez Mother’s Day Meal Sunday, May 10th: Mother’s Day meal at the Sibley Senior Citizens Center from 10:301:30. The meal will be catered by our very own Heath De Jong. Menu items include a choice of Pork Ribs, Grilled Chicken or a Pork Chop, Cheesy Hashbrown potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Dinner roll and beverage. This event is a free will donation with all proceeds going towards the College Mission Trip to New York. Celebrate mom with a great meal while helping send our young adults on a mission trip! Happy Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10th! We wish all mothers, grandmothers, and all honorary moms a Very Happy Mother’s Day! It is said that it “takes a village to raise a child,” and they couldn’t be more right. Enjoy YOUR day mom’s! And….I saw this cute poem and I couldn’t resist. (B-dog) My Mom Taught Me: Religion:……………………“You better pray that this comes out of the carpet!” Logic:………………………“Because I said so, that’s why!” Irony:…………………….…“Keep crying and/or I’ll give you something to cry about!” Wisdom:……………….…...“When you get to be my age, then you’ll understand.” Justice:………………….…..“One day you’ll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you!” Women’s Bible Studies Faith Bible Study will meet on Monday, April 20, 2015. The leader will be Luella and the Hostess will be Jeannette. Patience Bible Study will meet on Monday, May 18th at 4 pm. We will start a new book called “Waiting for God”. Barb will lead lesson #1. All women are invited to join us! Give Barb Van Diepen a call (754-3251) to get a book. Joy and Peace Bible Study will meet the May 19 at 2 pm to study the last lesson in their book. Leader will be Pat; Hostess: Jen Schram After Church Greeters for May May 3 SE Larry Riebeling C Bob Tiedeman SW Cal Runia BE Pastor Luke BW D. Vande Hoef 10 17 SE John Van Diepen 24 C Pastor Luke SW Curt Van Kley BE Harvey Van Ruler BW Larry Verdoorn Music for May May 03 Kody and Rachel Wills 10 SE L. Wiersma C John Bartels SW Larry Buysman BE Marcus De Boer BW Pastor Luke 31 SE Pastor Luke C Lennis Harberts SW Ed Harskamp BE Bill Hartzell BW Dale Honken SE Ron Dykstra C Pastor Luke SW Harold Ernst BE Henry Fisher BW Stand Gaalswyk Coffee Servers for May 3 Jim & Pauline Van Engen Gary and Jessa Wolter 10 Curt & Peg Van Kley 17 Chris & Tiffany Wynia 17 Steve & Leanne Van Kley 24 Charles & Brenda Ackerman 24 Lawrence & Ruth Ann Wiersma 31 John & Sharon Bartels 30 Chrissy Ackerman Willing Hands Group May Willing Hands Group #5 will be responsible for services during the month of May. Co-chairpersons are Dar and Dennis Jurgens, Deb and Greg Kosters, and Shelia and Harold Van Der Sloot. Sportsmen's Devotional Bible Study Verses: Exodus 9:16-17 But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. As yet you exalt yourself against My people in that you will not let them go. (NKJV) Thoughts Do we really live out each day to God's purpose? In this scripture, God is referring to the Egyptian pharaoh who would not let God's people leave Egypt with Moses. Unfortunately, Pharaoh was fighting against God; and ultimately, God showed His awesome power over all nature - Pharaoh lost. As God used pharaoh in His plan for the people He loved, God has a purpose for everyone-each friendship, co-worker, and hunting buddy - in His plan for us. Yes, even the inexperienced neighbor who may really look up to you and just love to be included on your next trip out. Can you think of someone who might benefit from your experience and knowledge of the outdoors? What might happen if you invited them on your next camping, fishing, or hunting trip? Perhaps you are worried that the hunt would be ruined? From eternity's perspective, what truly is most important? Remember Pharaoh: God ended up sending frogs, lice, and locusts (to name a few of His judgments) upon Pharaoh's kingdom in order to deliver His people from slavery. God doesn't go out to get people. He is a God of love and He wants to give you the desires of your heart. He's more likely to send the trophy your way; although the inexperienced hunter may get that one, and you'll just look like an awesome guide! Action Point There was a outdoorsman who went hunting with his friend of many years. Sitting by their campfire resting after hiking all day, he felt impressed to talk to his friend about knowing Jesus personally. He chose not to say anything because he didn't want to offend this life-long buddy. Not long after this great trip, his buddy died protecting his wife in a burglary. The sorrow and unrest of not knowing where his friend was for eternity never left him as long as he lived. Stop and seek God's purpose for your day now! Sportsmen's Tip of the Day If you have a late hunt in the year, you may awaken to snow. Don't forget to protect your eyes. Many a sportsman has experienced snow blindness. Snow reflects 85 percent of the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Many symptoms will not appear until 12 hours later (or on your next hunt). Always keep sunglasses in your camping trailer or hunting gear. You can keep them on a leash around your neck so you don't lose them when you look through your binoculars or take that shot at the big one. May Birthdays 10 Charlie Ackerman 24 Dorothy Vander Ploeg Teresa Hurlburt Jamie Bruxvoort Nate 3 SE Julius Larry Riebeling 17 SE L. Wiersma 31 De SEJong Pastor Luke 1 May Melissa 11 Rod Vander Veen C Lennis Harberts C Bob Tiedeman C John Bartels Rebecca Whitacre 25 Imogene Rasmussen 2 Brenda Ackerman SW Ed Harskamp SW Leusink Cal Runia SW Larry Buysman Andrea Bill Hartzell 12 Matt Julius Loerts BE Pastor Luke BE Marcus De Boer26 Brysen BE 4 Rachel BW Dale Honken BWWills D. Vande Hoef BW Pastor Luke 13 Fay Vos Tyler Fox 27 Cody Hurlburt KaceeSE VanRon Ruler 10 SE John Van Diepen 24 Dykstra Kelsey Van Ruler 29 Brooke Ten Napel 5 Harold Schram C Pastor Luke C Pastor Luke Chris Schouten Laurie Kraayenbrink Curt Van Kley SW Harold Ernst Ethan Post 6 Lois SW Vande Berg 16 Larry Verdoorn Daren Rockman Dutch Kruger BE Harvey Van Ruler BE Henry Fisher BWKruger Larry Verdoorn 17 Katha BW Stand Gaalswyk Kruger 30 Gladys Tiedeman 7 Robert Jayson Vande Hoef Travis Runia Nicole Ten Napel 8 Brenda Post 20 Verlyn Smidt Tami Tracy 31 Helen Vander Veen 21 Larry De Boer 9 Ray Schram Brett Schiphoff Ruth Ann Wiersma Emily Gruis Opheim May Faith In Action: Faith in action for this month is Daily Vacation Bible School. Sign up to help teach, be a helper, bring food, work in the nursery etc. It takes many people to help make DVBS a success ! A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Theodore Roosevelt Library Volunteers May 3-LaVonne Prins May 10-Imogene Rasmussen May 17-Janice Runia May 24-Jen Schram May 31-Barb Van Diepen May Anniversaries 07 Marcus and Angela De Boer 44 years 10 Dave and Sandy Lamfers 35 years 14 Keith and Janelle Van Drunen 44 years 25 Matt and Rachel Jurgens 2 years 27 Dale and Karen Honken 32 years 28 Troy and Meggan Block 10 years Sunday School Nursery for May Resumes next Fall Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 7 8 9 May 2015 3 9am Cornerstone 4 5 8:30 am Quilters 6 7 am Prayer Time 11 am Staff Meeting 9-10 am Coffee w/the Pastor No Bible Classes 10:00 am Coffee 11am Open Door 5:00 pm MS Remnant 7:00 pm HS Remnant Paul Doorenbos Cory and Amy Dykstra; Cody, Wyatt and Cole LaVon Dykstra Mark and Tanya Dykstra; Tanner and Makya Ron and Nancy Dykstra Scott and Marlys Dykstra 10 9am Cornerstone 11 12 8:30 am Quilters 13 7 am Prayer Time 14 15 16 11 am Staff Meeting 9am O.C.M.A. meets 9 am Mom’s Together Ryan Arentsen, DYM Trudy Dykstra Leona Eben Harold and Luella Eggink Delbert Eilders Jon and Amy Elser; Mariah and Maverick 17 9am Cornerstone 18 9 am Faith Bible St. 19 8:30 am Quilters 20 7 am Prayer Time 21 22 23 10:00 am Coffee 11am Open Door 2 pm S-O Graduation NO MS/HS Remnant 4 pm Patience Bible St. 6:30 pm Consistory 11 am Staff Meeting 2 pm Joy and Peace meets Pray for Our Consistory Anita Ernst Harold and Mim Ernst Paul Feldkamp; Rochelle, Harrison, Emily, Hudson, Tyler, Tesfanesh Henry and Barb Fisher Mike and Michelle Fox 25 26 8:30 am Quilters 27 7 am Prayer Time 28 29 30 Eugene and Renae Groen Robert and Janice Groen Lucille Groendyke 10:00 am Coffee 10:30-1:30 Mom’s Meal at Senior Citizens Center 11am Open Door NO MS/HS Remnant 249am Cornerstone 10:00 am Coffee 11am Open Door 2 pm Sheldon Graduation NO MS/HS Remnant 319am Cornerstone 10:00 am Coffee 11am Open Door NO MS Remnant 7:00 pm HS Remnant 11 am Staff Meeting Pastor Luke and Chris Russell and Ashley Gaalswyk; Jagger and Alexis Stan and Gert Gaalswyk Property meets at 8:30 am 2nd Sunday Christian Ed meets 5 pm 2nd Sunday Outreach Ministry 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM Worship Ministry meets at 6 pm 2nd Wednesday Congregational Care meets at 7:00 pm 2nd Wednesday