CONNECTIONS. The real meaning of the cross

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1 CONNECTIONS Lafayette Christian Reformed Church VOLUME 39, ISSUE 4 April 2010 JOIN US FOR OUR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE APRIL 2, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Bob Jipping will be leading us in worship and in the Celebration of the Lord s Supper. The real meaning of the cross At the cross we understand what God means when he talks of loving us, begin to take it in that there is nothing that he will not do, no sacrifice he will not make, no suffering that he will shirk, if only he can help us. He loved me, said Paul, standing upon Calvary and gazing in a stunned way at the cross, I who was a persecutor, and a blasphemer, and injurious, and yet he loved me and he gave himself for me. and with that his heart broke, and the old life was gone.

2 Page 2 CONNECTIONS "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28) Think for a moment about who wrote these words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, of course. These are words that came from the pen of the apostle Paul. This is the same man who wrote that "Five times I received from the Jews the 40 lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked (II Corinthians 11:24-27)." "In all things God works for the good of those who love him." As we are struggling with cancer, or some other illness; as we are constantly having to live with the effects of depression or some other chronic ailment which affects us every minute of our lives; as we are struggling with abuse in our lives which we cannot seem to shake; as we live with poverty or are facing terrible drought conditions; or as we stand at the grave side of someone we deeply loved, some people will remind us of that text, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." That which we experience here on earth is part of that struggle of life in a sin-filled world. What good is there in the struggle? Now we may not see, but James does tell us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance and spiritual maturity. Ultimately, says the Bible, it is worked for our good by the One who has all of history in His hands. The story is told that when St. Augustine was advanced in years, he saw the storm clouds rising of the imminent invasion of the Roman empire by the barbarians. He feared the marauding host would destroy the work he had labored to establish. He went to God in prayer and uttered a petition in three parts. He first asked that his people would be spared the devastation that could result from the barbarian invasion. Second, he asked that if that were not the will of God that he be given the grace to accept it. Finally, he prayed that in either case God would take him home soon. (Sproul, The Invisible Hand, pg. 175) Augustine could say along with Martin Luther the words of Luther's well known hymn: "Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also." And they could say this because they believed and understood deep in their hearts that all of history, and all that happened to them found its place in the governing hands of the Lord of the universe, a Lord who continues to work out the plan of salvation.

3 VOLUME 39, ISSUE 4 Page 3 One final note. The text talks about all of this in the context of "those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28) God's people are being discussed here. Those who do not know the Lord and who remain unrepentant will ultimately not have everything work for the good. Rather such posture invokes the wrath of God. But those who love the Lord can live with the utter security and assurance that they belong to their faithful Savior Jesus Christ, in life and in death, and nothing is able to separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. While we may not in the midst of misery like to hear such statements as found in our text, yet it is true that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Surely this is where our comfort lies. April 1, 1960 Norb and Carolyn Fisher April 2, 2005 Lucas and Jessica Bouwkamp April 3, 1982 Dan and Janet Bouwkamp April 5, 1970 Dale and Mary Ann Workman April 16, 1994 Brad and Angie Todd Thank you to everyone who helped in some way with the funeral luncheon for my grandma, Effie Bol. From those who helped set-up and organize to those who donated food and served, we are very appreciative. We feel blessed to have such a wonderful church family....the John Withers Family 11 Tena Vanderkleed Tressie Slopsema Elaine Parlon 12 Becky Budreau Bruce Bouwkamp 14 Teresa Bouwkamp 2 Candy Burchfield 3 Abigail Lammers 5 Jean Rhoda Nancy Vanderkleed 7 Gib Needham 10 Samuel Morris 17 Stan Vanderkleed 19 Sandy Rhoda 22 Roger Smith Nicolette Elliott 23 Ruby Burkenpas Jane Bennett Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those in our congregation who have lost loved ones in the recent months. May God s healing hand continue to give you strength and comfort.

4 Page 4 CONNECTIONS MINISTRY TEAMS: Review Minutes from recent team meetings highlight ideas, plans and actions of the teams. Some are being considered, some are pending Council approval and some have already been accomplished. The following is an effort to keep the congregation informed of the much appreciated team work. Minutes from March 16, 2010 Dr. Rick VanderWaal has agreed to be our church counselor during our pastoral vacancy. Deacons reported that the congregation is spending slightly more money that the amended budget. Discussed outcome of Town Hall meeting. APRIL PULPIT SUPPLY 2nd ~ Bob Jipping (Good Friday) 4th ~ Steve Sytsma (Easter) 11th ~ Bob McFadden 18th ~ Norm Thomasma 25th ~ Dr. James Busscher SPECIAL OFFERING SCHEDULE April 2, Good Friday Benevolence April 4, Easter LCS Tuition Assistance PHYSICAL FACILITIES TEAM: Stan Vanderkleed (TL), Bob Dahnke, Charles Schelle, Gary Slopsema, Greg Veldman, Dan Bouwkamp Annual elevator inspection passed. Need to get City of Lafayette to run camera down sewer line on 12th Street to see where to dig to plug line from old house foundation. Office door step needs yellow strip. Ladies Aid requested old pulpit to be put back in place. WORSHIP TEAM: Janeen Jensen (TL), Dave Bart, Carolyn Barrett, Dave Fisher, Norb Fisher, Jason Hale, Gib Needham, Jeanette Needham, Steve Needham Transitional Minister for Classis Discussed Good Friday Service Order Ordered 8 new banners for the sanctuary. DATE A.M. 02/ / / / Year-to-date Financial Obligation at the end of February, 2010 Lafayette Christian Reformed Church Tuition Support for Lafayette Christian School Total Budgeted Obligation Year-to-Date Budgeted Expenses Year-to-Date Actual Expenses Year-to-Date Amount Received $ 239, $ 23, , , , , $ 116, $ 16,821.50

5 VOLUME 39, ISSUE 4 Page 5 The Mission Trip was a success! Each day we separated into groups to work on a variety of projects and tasks. One group painted the trim and all the windows of a home, another group did some construction work building a foundation for a room addition at one home and building a soffit for another while others worked at the Cary Christian Center doing whatever needed to be done. Somehow, a few of us even found time for fun in the sun and relaxation!!!! Stan & Joey serviced 13 vehicles belonging to Cary. All in all it was a joy to serve and we took away as much as we gave.

6 Page 6 CONNECTIONS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL This year our theme for VBS is EGYPT - Joseph s Journey from prison to palace. We are teaming up with 3 local churches including Elston Community, Bethany Presbyterian and Redeemer Lutheran.. Bethany Presbyterian will organize the event while Redeemer Lutheran is expected to host. A preliminary planning meeting was held March 28th at the home of Pastor Kevin Bowers to discuss dates, ideas and plans.,at this time, we do not have a representative from LCRC to attend the meetings and help in the duties required. Please contact the secretary if you would be willing to co- Tom Fisher continues to lead a small group through The Purpose Driven Church written by author Rick Warren. The group meets every other Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. at church. New members are always welcome! Please contact Brian Barrett or Tom Fisher if you are interested. 10 oz. frozen peas, thawed 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, drained 1 cup thinly sliced celery 1/2 cup sliced green onions 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp seasoned salt In a bowl combine the first four ingredients. In a second bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasoned salt. Add to pea mixture and toss to coat. Chill until serving time. Serves 8.

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8 Lafayette Christian Reformed Church 1200 Tippecanoe Street Lafayette, IN Phone: Fax: RETURN SERVICE RE- Worship Each Sunday 9:30 a.m. The Place to Be Shaped by Grace!