First Christian Reformed Church

Transcription

1 11/28/10 First Christian Reformed Church Pastor Craig Van Hill Home: Cell: Pastor Norman Haan Home: Cell: Bly Street, Waupun, WI / firstcrcwaupunwi@juno.com / CCLI License

2 Prelude Call to Worship (responsively) 9:30 AM Worship (*Please stand if you are able) Leader: Prepare the way of the Lord. We light this candle in hope, the hope of our coming Savior, Jesus. People: Prepare, then, the way of the Lord. Lighting of Advent Candle of Hope by Elder John Bronkhorst Song of Hope: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus G329 *God s Greeting *We Greet Each Other We Confess Our Sins (responsively) Leader: Oh Lord, We recognize that we have not worshiped you as you deserve. We have worshiped ourselves and our possessions More than we have worshiped you. People: Our thoughts and desires are often focused on things of this world And not on heavenly treasures We do not worship you fully As we should. Leader: Our time and energy are given first to other things And we give you the little that is left. Please forgive us for not putting you first, For not thinking of our whole week as worship, For not giving you what you deserve. People: With humble hearts we admit that once again we have failed. We ask that you will always remain faithful to us And always bless us in spite of our attitudes and actions. Help us to fully give our lives to you Not just today or this week But for as long as you give us breath. Amen! God Assures Us of Forgiveness Song of Preparation: Go Tell it on the Mountain R258 vs. 1 (Children ages 3 years through 4 th grade may come forward for the Children s Message during the song.)

3 Children s Message by Marla De Jager (Afterwards, children ages 3-6 may leave for Children s Worship in the upstairs Youth Room.) Song: Go Tell it on the Mountain R258 vs. 3 Congregational Prayer *Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 We Study God s Word: Advent Conspiracy Worship Fully Prayer *Response in Song: Here I Am to Worship Offertory Prayer Offering for Local Budget *Benediction *Parting Song: I Worship You, Almighty God R146 *Postlude Call to Worship *God s Greeting 6:50 PM Worship (*Please stand if you are able) Songs of Praise led by Praise Team 2 Prayers of the People led by Al Venhuizen Offering for Faith Promise *We Study God s Word: I Samuel 3 *Song of Response: Here I Am, Lord R589 *Affirmation of Our Faith: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 35-36, G875 (responsively) 35. Q What does it mean that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary? A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature

4 Prayer so that he might become David's true descendant, like his brothers in every way except for sin. 36 Q How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you? *Benediction A. He is our mediator, and with his innocence and perfect holiness he removes from God's sight my sin--mine since I was conceived. *Doxology: Grace, Love and Fellowship R233 *Postlude Welcome We welcome our visitors and hope that you enjoy worshiping with us. If you are presently seeking a church home, we welcome you to join our fellowship. If you would like further information about our church, check out our website at or contact Pastor Craig ( ) or the church office ( ). The songs and responsive readings will be displayed on the video screens, but feel free to use the hymnals if you wish. The Celebration Hymnals (R) are located under the pew in front of you. Large-print bulletins and children's bulletins are available in the back sanctuary rack. Please feel free to check one of the Visitor mail slots in the narthex for additional materials. Worship Notes Today is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of our Advent Conspiracy which calls us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas. Today s challenge is Worship Fully. It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and the King is celebrated with each breath. It s the party of the year. Entering the story of Advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.

5 Adopt a Gifts in, Gifts out policy: If a gift comes into the house, something it replaces must go out to someone who can use it. Give a food basket: Choose one family and surprise them a basket filled with food for a full meal. Check out other Advent Conspiracy ideas on our website at If you have additional ideas, please jot them down and give or them to Marla. Remember to recheck our web list periodically as new ideas will be added as they come in. Another good website is This morning s offering is for the Local Budget to pay the church s operating expenses, which includes the minister s salary and living expenses, church utilities, support staff wages, and other supplies and services needed to run the church. This evening s service begins at 6:50 PM with an extended time of praise. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. - Psalm 47:6 This evening s offering is for Faith Promise to support missionaries and mission organizations as designated by our church Council. This fund currently supports Brother Bob s Outreach, Daryl and Mary Pfantz (Wycliffe Bible Translators), Scott Ritzema (Youth for Christ), The Union, Local Deaconal Outreach, Waupun Area Cadets, Waupun GEMS, and Pastor Ken Van De Griend (Leadership Resources International). Verse of the week: Luke 17:15-16 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked him and he was a Samaritan. Upcoming Special Services: December 12 PM December 19 PM December 24 PM December 31 PM Christmas Cantata Sunday School Program Christmas Eve New Year s Eve (combined with Alto & Bethel)

6 Our Family Look for information in your mailslot regarding Jack & Marla De Jager and Gene & Toni s Hofman s upcoming mission trip to the Philippines. Please pray that all the arrangement will be finalized with the Lord s blessing. Brother Bob s health is declining. Please pray for the Lord s comfort and peace as he senses that his days are numbered. Plus uplift Neen and Angel as they care for Brother Bob and continue their work in the Brother Bob Philippine ministry. Please pray that they will be assured of the Lord s leading as they undertake the added responsibilities of managing the ministry without Brother Bob. See Chaplain Hofman s update on the last page. If you want to do something special for him and his troop, he has a great suggestion. Remember those who are entering this holiday season without their loved ones by their sides due to a death, health issues, military service, marital separation, family dispute, etc. Pray that they can be thankful for who God is and the Gift He has given even in the midst of their sorrow and loneliness, We rejoice with the following who will celebrate an anniversary or birthday this week: Anniversary: Nov Anniversary: Nov Harry & Karen Venhuizen 28 Gene & Toni Hofman 29 Birthday: Nov Birthday: Dec Phylicia Bronkhorst 29 Steve Mulder 3 Leah Buteyn 29 Hollie Ten Pass 4 Melissa Wierenga 29 A Word of Thanks During the Thanksgiving season, Wanda and I want to thank you for your generous support towards our work with LRI in the past year. We are very thankful to God for you! Pastor Ken & Wanda Van De Griend They give thanks for you. They are the oppressed, the poor, the persecuted Christians of the world. But thanks in part to your help, over 37 million of them have been grounded in the hope and comfort of God s Word. For them, every day is a Thanksgiving day. With gratitude for your partnership, all of us wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving season. Holly Lawton, Bible League International

7 Church News There is NO Sunday School/Catechism classes today. Revised Office Hours this Week: Tuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 noon and Thursday Noon-2:00 PM. Morning and Evening Coffee Break ladies: Please prepare Lesson 7 and 8 for this week's meeting on December 1. Cadets will meet this Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM, at the CWC Elementary Campus. GEMS will have a club night this Wednesday, 6:30 PM, at Bethel CRC. We will be delivering Christmas cookies. Christian Fellowship s December social will be at Sebastian s at 6:30 PM this Thursday. Meet at church at 6:00 PM to carpool. Please inform Arky Navis ( or ) by Tuesday if you will be attending, Ladies Night: Dig out that project you were working on last winter (or last decade!), or maybe start something new for a Christmas gift, and come on down to the church basement this Friday. We ll start at 6:00 PM. Come whenever you can and stay as long as you like. Lunch: Dominique Van Hill. Would you like a free lunch? How about a free book? That's right! Pastor Craig is offering a free lunch for anyone who is willing to read a new book about faith formation. We need to hear your thoughts on this book so come and join him on Thursday, December 9, at Culvers at 12:00. We'll have an open discussion about how our faith is formed and what we can do to improve our faith formation. If you would like to participate please contact Pastor Craig at or pastorvanhill@gmail.com. Community Happenings The Waupun Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is now selling Love- Lights for a minimum $4 donation per designation. The proceeds of this annual fund-raiser are designated towards the purchase of a defibrillator. Remember a loved one this holiday season with a gift of light a very meaningful way to contribute to the health and quality of life in our community. Your donation will light the evergreen tree at the front of the hospital during the month of December, and the names of those honored will be displayed in the hospital lobby throughout the year. Forms are available on the narthex counter.

8 Kohls Community Funeral Home is extending an invitation to the community to join them for their Annual Holiday Remembrance Service to be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 7, at the Wesley Center. This service honors the memory of those who have died in the past year (December 2009 to present) and is open to all families. Music, prayer, an inspiring message, and a candle lighting ceremony will be followed by social hour where seasonal treats and fellowship will be enjoyed. Please join them in honoring the memories of precious family members. Call before December 3 to RSVP and reserve a candle in honor of your loved one. You are cordially invited to attend a Holiday Cookie Walk at Union Congregational Church on Saturday, December 11, from 9:00 11:00 AM. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as you select an assortment of home-baked Christmas cookies at $6.00 per pound. Proceeds will support mission projects. Calendar Today: Wed: Thu: Fri: Next Sun: 8:45 AM First Fellowship 9:30 AM Morning Worship 6:50 PM Evening Worship 9:30 AM Coffee Break & Story Bethel CRC 6:30 PM Coffee Bethel CRC 6:30 PM CWC Elementary Campus 6:30 PM Bethel CRC 7:00 PM Youth Group PC & Dominique s 6:00 PM Christian Fellowship 6:00 PM Ladies Night 8:15 AM 11 th /12 th Catechism 8:45 AM First Fellowship

9 AM Worship Accompanist Lois Mulder Children & Worship Teacher: Beth Andrew Helpers: Lynnae Smits Whitney Wierenga Fellowship Coffee Denny & Nancy Vande Berg Greeters Scott, Ashley, Melissa, & Shelby Fry Nursery Michelle Mulder Marilyn Mulder Lynnae Smits Sound System Dan Scheuers Transportation Arky N. ( ) Morris T.G. ( ) Ushers Norm Buwalda Jason De Jager Dan Montsma Trevor Zonnefeld Video Projection Mike Vande Berg Missionary Letters Dan R to Daryl Pfantz + Greg R. to Brother Bob Darrall S. to Chaplain Peter + Please pray especially for this missionary family this week. PM Worship Accompanist Brenda Hofman Greeters Glen & Sandy Greenfield Library Arlene De Jager Marge Vande Streek Faith Miedema Nursery Dominique Van Hill Thomas Venhuizen Mikayla Zonnefeld Sound System Dan Scheuers Transportation Arky N. ( ) Morris T.G. ( ) Video Projection Mike Vande Berg

10 Next Week Accompanist AM Cara Aylesworth PM Junice Rens Children s Message (You will be contacted) Children & Worship Teacher: Dominique Van Hill Helpers: Hollie Ten Pass Cody Zonnefeld Fellowship Coffee Pete & Tabbie Vander Werff Greeters AM Harold & Carol Greenfield PM Randall, Kim, Megan, & Ryer Greenfield Library Dorothy Schouten Lori Kitchner Allegra Bossenbroek Musical Praise Merle Schouten Nursery AM Charlie & Lori Kitchner Lexi De Jager PM Andrea Kamphuis Lori Venhuizen Breanna Smits Offering AM Classical Ministry Shares PM Denominational Ministry Shares Pastoral Prayer Brian O Donovan Sound System Glen Greenfield Transportation Paul Vande Kolk ( ) Louie Wierenga ( ) Ushers Keith Buwalda Jim Groenewold Grant Kamphuis Louie Wierenga Video Projection Lois Mulder Notes & Prayer Requests

11 Shut-Ins Gerald Bossenbroek Bea Heideman Eugene Kikkert Josie Looman Minnie Tobak Prayer List Hazel Buwalda Junice Kamphuis Millie Kuiper Wilma Navis Health Continued and complete recovery for Marla De Jager. Comfort and relief from pain for Harry Homan and Nancy Wierenga. Charlie Kitchner s neighbor who was seriously injured in a skid steer accident. Brother Bob as his health is declining. Pray for the Lord s comfort and peace as he senses that his days are numbered. Ted Laufer, a local 40-year old who has bone cancer. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but is not doing well. Dewey & Don Pausma s brother-in-law, Hank Den Hollander, as he deals with Leukemia. Louie Wierenga s sister, Connie, who is undergoing chemotherapy. Military Members of the military and their families who will be separated during the holiday season. Larry & Trix Daane s grandson, Jeff Daane (NAS Pensacola, FL) Sam Daane (Beal AFB, CA) Jack & Marla De Jager s nephew, Jonathan Sturing (Fort Carson, CO) Chaplain Peter Hofman (Afghanistan) Marge Vande Streek s grandson, Brian Vande Streek (Afghanistan) Louie & Nancy Wierenga s grandson, Devin Terry (Guam) Requests Neen and Angel as they care for Brother Bob and continue their work in the Brother Bob Philippine ministry. Please pray that they will be assured of the Lord s leading as they undertake the added responsibilities of managing the ministry without Brother Bob. Charlene Miller s daughter, Julie, who was recently diagnosed with a brain disease and Julie s son who has an eye disease that could cause blindness. Austin Montsma - safety for as he studies in France. Those who are entering this holiday season without their loved ones by their sides that they can be thankful for who God is and the Gift He has given even in the midst of their their sorrow and loneliness,

12 November 23, 2010 I wanted to let the congregation know that I received the two boxes full of sandals, colors, and coloring books. I really appreciate your generosity, prayers, and support. I haven't had the opportunity to hand the supplies out yet but I will in the near future. I will take some pictures and send them your way. I also wanted to let you know that I found out that I will be extended a couple of extra months here. I hope to be home by my son Andrew's birthday on the 24th of March but we shall see. Finally, I have a request. I made an account with Fox River socks, a fantastic sock company in Iowa. I have given some of their socks out to the guys before and received a huge response. It was a good way to meet their physical needs and also allow me to open the door to ministry. When I handed them out I told them I was the chaplain and I was here to help their soles. That got a big laugh but it also made them think. Fox River offers a promotion code that can be entered by anyone purchasing the military socks on my wish list at (4th BN 3rd Special Forces ABN, Afghanistan - #100162). Promotion code SFS2011 will give you 20% off a Socks for Soldiers orders thru 12/31/2010. (Note this code must be entered during the checkout process and click the APPLY button.) I can't think of a better way to support us as we always need socks especially as the cold winter months come upon us over here. Thanks and early happy Thanksgiving, Peter Chaplain Hofman