Outlook. the. Iron Sharpens Iron 6TH ANNUAL MEN S CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 18. The Iron Sharpens Iron Men s THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2017.

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1 FEBRUARY 2017 Outlook the A N E W S L E T T E R O F O R L A N D P A R K C H U R C H THIS ISSUE deacons corner page 2 stewardship shorts page 2 preschool news page 3 library news page 4 choir notes page 5 car ministry update page 6 theme dinner page 7 opcrc news page 8 thank you opcrc page 9 prayer requests page 9 calendar page 12 Don t forget to check out our church website for more news and information! Iron Sharpens Iron 6TH ANNUAL MEN S CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 18 The Iron Sharpens Iron Men s Conference offers sixteen different equipping seminars designed specifically for men. The focus is on equipping and resourcing men of all ages to live for Christ in all areas of life and will feature speakers Bryan Loritts and John Stonestreet. Bryan Loritts was recently voted one of the top thirty emerging Christian leaders. He is the cofounder of Fellowship Memphis, a multi-ethnic church, helping to grow the church from 26 people in a living room to several thousand. Pastor Bryan also served at Trinity Grace Church in New York City. He is the President of the Kainos Movement, an organization aimed at establishing the multi-ethnic church in America as the new normal. He has also written several books. John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. John is a sought-after speaker, published author, and respected cultural commentator. Since 2012, John and Eric Metaxas have co-hosted BreakPoint, the nationally 2017 syndicated radio commentary founded by the late Chuck Colson. John has co-authored three books. The conference will be hosted at our church on Saturday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is open to men ages 13 and up. The conference will include worship, breakaway seminars, exhibitors, and resources. Please sign up at the Information Center or contact John Dykstra for more information W. Sycamore Drive, Orland Park (708) opcrc@opcrc.org

2 Deacons Corner FEBRUARY OFFERING SCHEDULE Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. -Colossians 3:23 TEV The apostle Paul teaches that we are to work as though we are working for the Lord and not for people. He s saying that no job is too small; no job is too menial; no job is too insignificant when you have the right motive and perspective. We should think, I m doing it for God; I m doing this job as if I m doing it for the Lord. Now, how do I know if I m doing my work for the Lord? Two characteristics will show up in your attitude: excellence and enthusiasm. First, if I m doing my work not for the boss but for the Lord I ll do it with excellence. That means I give it my best shot. I do the best I can because I m not doing it for anyone s approval, except God s. I do it with excellence, being the best I can be. Second, I do my work with enthusiasm. I m working for God, therefore, I do it with a cheerful attitude. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:11 NLT) When you are working with all your heart, motivated by the love of Christ, your work is transformed into an act of worship for God. (Pastor Rick s Daily Hope, May 21, 2014) February 5: CRC Race Relations crcna.org/race The Ministry of Race Relations is mandated by synod to design, organize, and implement programs that will assist the denomination, churches, and members in eliminating the causes and effects of racism within the body of believers and throughout the world. Because there is a need for leaders and their congregations to have more effective ministry in the diverse communities they serve, there is also a need to have assistance in becoming culturally intelligent. The office of Race Relations offers the resources and tools to develop this capacity. February 12: Bible League International bibleleague.org Serving the under-resourced Church globally through the provision of Bibles, biblical resources, and training to transform lives worldwide through God s. The Bible League International s worldwide ministry is to reach the world s largest cities and most remote villages with God s. They support the body of Christ wherever it is impoverished, persecuted or oppressed in almost 200 countries. February 19: Roseland Christian Ministries roselandchristianministries.org RCM is dedicated to serving the Roseland community through service, work, worship, and fellowship. Ministries include the Food Pantry, God Reforming Our Women (G.R.O.W.) program, Thrift Store, Homes Renewal, and Roseland Christian Reformed Church. It is important and necessary to reach out to a community in need because it is what Jesus commanded. Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me. February 26: PASS Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs (PASS) has served women and men in unplanned pregnancy situations since For over 30 years, PASS has served thousands of women and men facing the traumas of unplanned pregnancies. Beyond services and care, PASS has provided tangible items such as diapers, car seats, formula, baby food, infant clothing, maternity clothing and other items to thousands of families in need. PASS annually teaches abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage to over 15,000 students and provides a highly effective post-abortion healing program. 2

3 Preschool News -Ruth Baas, Preschool Director WHAT HAVE THE KIDS HAVE BEEN UP TO THIS JANUARY? In spite of the lack of snow this month, we went ahead with our plan to learn all about snow and snowmen. We read stories about snow, made snow crafts, and learned that God created the beautiful snow for our world. Instead of playing out in the snow, we took paint sponges and brushes and created our own snowy mural in the preschool hall. Besides painting the snowy hills and snowflakes, we painted our feet to make the snowmen s bodies. Fun! (See above photo.) Our second theme-of-the-week for January was called Sleepy Storytime. The children really enjoyed wearing their pajamas to school for Pajama Day, a special day during that week. Bedtime friends in the form of stuffed animals and blankets came to school along with the children in their pajamas. There are many, many children s books written about bedtime/ pajamas and we enjoyed reading Pajama Day fun! some of them together at school. Little Quack s Bedtime, The Cat s Pajamas, Time for Bed, and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed were a few of our favorites! We took lots of pictures for memories and had a good time making pajama crafts. As usual, the learning areas of math, science, large and small motor skills, kindergarten readiness, and language were built around the theme. One thing we didn t do in our pajamas at school is sleep! Maybe some of the children were tired enough to take a nap by the time they got home from school! Another learning activity the children enjoyed in January was taking a field trip to the Orland Park Public Library. About ten parents from each class joined us and helped transport the children to the library and back. The children s librarian on staff at the library planned a half-hour story time for our children. After that we were able to explore the children s department, playing with the many learning games and activities that are on display. Each child was able to choose a book which was checked out from the library on our teacher loan cards and will be kept at preschool for about three weeks. When the children see the books they picked Enjoying a library book! out for themselves in our classrooms, they usually have a special interest in reading their own books. The teachers usually read these books to small groups of children during free-play time each day. We always enjoy getting out into our community for new learning experiences! Please spread the news about Orland Park Christian Preschool to your family, friends, and neighbors who have 3- or 4-year-old children or grandchildren. This quality Christian early-childhood education in a beautiful environment should not be kept a secret! Registration for fall 2017 classes has begun and will remain open until classes fill. Contact Ruth Baas at or for more information or to register your child for preschool. Mark 10:14 Jesus said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 3

4 Library News: Focus on Non-Fiction -Peggy Mollema This month we are focusing on non-fiction. Sometimes when the weather is cold, it is time to curl up with a cup of something warm and a good book! There are many items in the church library to help supplement topics you may be studying in your Bible study group, in Sunday School, or in your personal devotions. Tim Keller: Pastor Keller is someone from whom Pastor Derek quotes on occasion. The OPCRC library has several books by Pastor Keller. One of these is entitled Jesus the King-Understanding the Life and Death of The Son of God. This book is based roughly on the gospel of Mark but delves deeper into the and adds in stories based on the teachings regarding Jesus. Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz: These two authors of Bruce and Stan s Guide to fame have written a guide to Knowing the Bible 101: A guide to God s in Plain Language. This is a great book for people who like reading things with bullet points, key ideas in boxes, and explanations that are short and to the point. They discuss each of the types of books in the Bible poetry, epistles, historical, etc., explaining each type of book and how they should be read. An excellent resource for the new Christian as well as someone who wants to review. Bibles: In our reference section we have copies of several different versions of the Bible. Sometimes as you study a passage, it helps to read the passage in a different version or two of the Bible for a different perspective on the verses. We also have the Archeological Study Bible which has study helps regarding the terrain and buildings of an area. A new purchase is the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. This is designed to help set the context for reading the Bible as the original hearers would have. Rather than overlay our western ideas and 21st century context to Middle Eastern situations and 1st century places, studying the Bible in its historical context helps stories come alive in a new way. Maps, timelines, and charts: Do you ever wonder how some of the names of cities in Iraq, Jordan, or Syria you hear on the news compares to names we read in the Bible? Come into the library to take a look at Rose Book of Bible Maps, Charts, and Timelines. It is an excellent resource, especially for those of us who like to read maps! Of course there are many books on parenting, prayer, finances, as well as memoirs. Just stop in the library and ask about the subject which interests you!!! NEW ADULT EDUCATION SERIES BEGINS SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 AT 9:45 AM Join us beginning on January 29 at 9:45 for this nine-week study led by Nick and Sheila Cook. What is Gospel-shaped evangelism, and how should that mold our church? We need to see what evangelism actually is, understand what an evangelistic church culture would look like, and reflect upon where we are at in our own church and lives. 4

5 Choir Notes: Be Still and Know -Carol Vroom, Director Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. These much loved words were the basis for Martin Luther s great Reformation hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. These beautiful words of strength and comfort will also be the template for our evening service on February 26. The choir hopes to sing Be Still and Know and Peace Like a River during this service. Be Still and Know is based specifically on verses 1-3, 6-8, and 10 of Psalm 46. One music review characterized the song as a reverent anthem. I love that description. It defines our posture before God. The emphasis of the song is on God the One who is present with his people in all circumstances of life, even during trials and upheaval. We need not fear because He is our refuge and strength! When we rely on God, our fears are stilled. Peace Like a River is a jubilant song of praise. When we trust the God who saves us, our peace turns into rejoicing! We pray that our words and songs exalt the name of our God! The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ADULT SERVE: WEST VIRGINIA Help is on the way! We are planning on partnering with World Renew for disaster relief in repairing a flood-damaged home in West Virginia. Several different groups will be working on the project between January 30 and March 3. Please pray for the volunteers who have committed to this project so far. BOTTLES FOR BETHANY Don t forget to collect your spare change in the baby bottles for Bethany Christian Services. You can pick up a bottle at church. Bills and personal checks (made out to Bethany Christian Services) may also be placed in these bottles. Please return the bottles on or before Sunday, February 26. Thank you from the CCHS National Honor Society. 5

6 Car Ministry Update -Bruce Harnew VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED SINCE OUR LAST REPORT Since our last newsletter report, the car ministry has helped nine families with needed transportation within area churches. We currently have 25+ applicants waiting for assistance. Please continue to promote vehicle donations to the car ministry whenever you have the opportunity. CAR MINISTRY STATISTICS During 2016 the car ministry program distributed 54 vehicles to families in the Chicagoland area. Since the start of this program back in February of 2000, the car ministry program has distributed 847 vehicles. We Praise God for what He is doing through this important ministry at Orland Park Church. Through the efforts of the car ministry, Christian mercy is shown to those in need of reliable transportation to get to employment, children to day care and school, families to church, and other necessities such as grocery store, and doctor visits. 2000: Cars received: 14 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 24 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 31 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 48 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 46 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 46 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 67 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 87 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 70 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 84 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 76 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 92 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 86 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 93 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 63 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 77 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 75 Cars distributed: : Cars received: 02 Cars distributed: 03 Totals: Cars received: 1081 Cars distributed: 847 RECENT DISTRIBUTIONS Nov 3: 03 Town & Country Minivan To: Missionaries to Dominican Republic Nov 13: 02 Ford Windstar Minivan To: Local church member Dec 7: 03 Chevy Venture Minivan To: Living Springs Community Church, Glenwood Dec 18: 03 Saturn Ion To: Hope CRC, Oak Forest Dec 31: 02 Kia Spectra Hatchback To: Living Springs Community Church, Glenwood Jan 3: 05 Town & Country Minivan To: Nations Christian Chapel, Carol Stream Jan 4: 99 Acura TL, 4-Door To: Calvary Reformed Church, Orland Park Jan 5: 07 Jeep Patriot 4WD To: Missionaries to Thailand CAR MINISTRY VEHICLE DONATIONS NEEDED! The car ministry continues to be in desperate need of incoming vehicle donations at this time. Please help with car ministry promotions by picking up some white car ministry promotions cards from the Information Center and passing them around to neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Thanks for your support. Call the Orland Park Church office at ext. 300 for more information about the Car Ministry. 6

7 YOUTH GROUP THEME DINNER 2017 HIGH SCHOOL REUNION! MARCH 11 AT 6:00 PM JOIN US FOR AWESOME FOOD, FUN, AND LAUGHS TO BENEFIT OUR OPCRC YOUTH GROUP! COME DRESSED IN THE FASHION FROM YOUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING YEAR! SIGNUP BEGINS FEBRUARY 26! 7

8 Orland Park Church Family News SYMPATHIES We extend our Christian sympathy to: Butch Bruinius, Glenn and Val Bruinius, and Jacqueline Van Ryn, who mourn the loss of Dot Bruinius, who passed away on January 4. Grace Dorn, who mourns the loss of her husband, Martin Dorn, who passed away on January 13. We extend our deepest sympathy to these individuals during this difficult time of loss. May the Lord grant his loving comfort. CONGRATULATIONS! Congrats to Ross and Ali Stuursma, who were blessed with a baby girl, Clara Janell Stuursma, born on January 16, Give thanks for this precious gift from God. Congratulations to Stacy (Kamp) and Jeff Meitler, who were married on December 30, Join Cadets & GEMS: march 3: 5-8 pm dinner & bake sale! Derby Races & DINNER 8

9 Orland Park Church Family News THANK YOU ORLAND PARK CHURCH! Dear Congregation, On behalf of Dorothy Bruinius, I would like to thank you for all of the prayers and cards that we have received over the past 12 years of her illness. I would also like to thank our District Elder and pastors who visited us throughout the years. Thank you for the many sympathy cards that I have received since she has gone to be with the Lord. Sincerely, -Butch Bruinius I would like to thank the congregation for the prayers, cards, meals and phone calls during my recent surgery.. It is a blessing to be a part of the family of God. -Lois Lindemulder Jan and I thank the congregation for the many cards, phone calls, and visits during my bout with cancer. The congregation displayed their hospitable character. We also thank Pastor Dan who kept in touch with a visit and calls. -Fred and Jan Huizinga Dear friends of Orland Park Church, There truly are no words to express the thankfulness felt by your continued support to All God s People. Thank you for the coat drive that keeps many of our friends warm for the winter, the food baskets that blessed so many families with food over the Christmas season, your financial support that allows us to meet the needs of many of our friends, and mostly for the prayers for our homeless friends! In His goodness, He gives us the privilege of serving these dear people. Their lives can be difficult and not quite what they expected, but because of the hearts of many, we are able to share the love of Jesus! There is no greater joy than making a difference in someone s life. Orland CRC is doing that for many. Thank you for continuing to step out in faith to serve those in need! -Doreen DeBoer, All God s People To the entire congregation at Orland Park CRC, On behalf of Rehoboth Christian School, I want to thank you for your recent and most wonderful gift to our school. We are so very thankful for this gift but are also very blessed to have you as one of our partnering churches. You have been so gracious throughout the years! Thank you, too, for your continued prayers. -Dave Sytsma, Rehoboth Christian School Happy Anniversary Alex and Arlene Wlazlo February 2 ~ 15 years Mel and Marge Dokter February 3 ~ 61 years Rick and Cindy Speelman February 6 ~ 35 years Matt and Lindsey Jutzi February 11 ~ 5 years Bill and Judy Bronsema February 13 ~ 58 years Cal and Carol De Boer February 18 ~ 51 years Rich and Karen Oost February 19 ~ 52 years Hank and Grace Kamp February 25 ~ 62 years Happy Birthday Raymond Manring February 8 ~ 90 years John Jacobsma February 11 ~ 88 years Ralph Buikema February 12 ~ 89 years Earl Engh February 22 ~ 85 years Janet Huizinga February 22 ~ 82 years PRAYER REQUESTS Please remember these people in prayer who are recovering from recent hospitalizations, who are shut-ins, or who are dealing with other health problems. Jim Boerema Ruth Jacobsma Irene Muller Art Sluis Ruth Waterlander Bernice Bosma Bill Kamp Erling Ouwerkerk Cindy Speelman Jacob Wishnew Grace Dorn Marty Kuiken George Schaaf Bob Triezenberg Adelyn Harnew Clair Laning Karen Schultz Courtney Van Ryn Fred Huizinga Bill Loerop Al Siegers Pearl Vis Ray Iwema Ken Mels Barb Siegers Katie Vree To request prayer or give thanks for answered prayers, please send your request by to prayer@opcrc.org or contact the church office at (708)

10 FEBRUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Men s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 am Women s BSF 9:00 am Coffee Break 9:45 am Cadets/GEMS 6:30 pm Coffee Time With Pastor Derek 9:00 am 5 Choir, Kids Konnections, Adult Ed 9:40 am Moms Prayer Group 9:40 am Small Group Leader Training 2:00 pm Evening Worship Service 4:00 PM! 12 Choir, Kids Konnections, Adult Ed 9:40 am Moms Prayer Group 9:40 am College Lunch 12 pm God s Posse Retreat 19 Choir, Kids Konnections, Adult Ed 9:40 am Youth Group Retreat Small Group Leader Training 2:00 pm God s Posse Topic Night 7:00 26 Choir, Kids Konnections, Adult Ed 9:40 am College Moms Prayer Group 4:30 9:30 am Men s BSF 6:45 pm 9:30 am Men s BSF 6:45 pm :30 am Men s BSF 6:45 pm 9:30 am Men s BSF 6:45 pm 27 Prayer Time in Sanctuary 7 14 Prayer Time in Sanctuary Admin Elders 21 Prayer Time in Sanctuary Admin Elders Council Mtg 7:30 Shepherding Elders/Deacons Meeting 8:00 pm 28 Prayer Time in Sanctuary 8 Men s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 am Coffee Break 9:45 am Cadets/GEMS 6:30 pm 15 Men s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 am Coffee Break 9:45 am YG Theme Dinner Work Night 22 Men s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 am Coffee Break 9:45 am Coffee & Comfort 1:00 pm Cadets/GEMS 6:30 pm Women s BSF 9:00 am Car Ministry 9 16 Women s BSF 9:00 am Oasis 12:30 pm 23 Women s BSF 9:00 am 10 God s Posse Retreat (Spring Hill) (returning Sunday) 17 Youth Group Retreat (Spring Hill) (returning Sunday) 24 Ladies Craft Night Submissions for the March 2017 issue of the Outlook are due on Sunday, February 12. Please send to Denise Vander Plaats at denise@opcrc.org or drop off in the office Iron Sharpens Iron Men s Conference 8:30 am-5:00 pm 25 10